Missouri added a depth option to supplement running backs Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts by bringing on Montana running back Va’aimalae (Malae) Fonoti.
Despite retaining their top options, Hardy is likely
to go to the draft following the season so Drinkwitz and the team are going to be looking for successors down the line. Fonoti spent two seasons with Montana — redshirting his freshman season but appearing in three games — and comes to Mizzou with three years of eligibility remaining.
The announcement came on Jan. 16 with the Tigers confirming it a day later.
In Fonoti’s two seasons with Montana, he combined for 418 rushing yards, 116 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Even though he’s likely to have a smaller role this upcoming season, he has proven that he can make people miss at the collegiate level.
Mizzou’s running back room lost Brendon Haygood, Marquise Davis and Tavorus Jones to the portal and has since picked up Fonoti and Houston Christian’s Xai’Shaun Edwards. The team will also add Maxwell Warner from the Class of 2026 this offseason.
For more information on all the portal information, click here.
With the help of a strong offensive line, Fonoti showed off his strength and speed helping Montana to a super successful season. He showed good balance when breaking tackles and a clear explosiveness on his cuts. If he can translate his game to the SEC he should be a legit name to keep an eye on down the line for Mizzou fans.
Where He Fits
I’d expect Fonoti to have a minimal role this season with returners Hardy and Roberts likely to star the show. That being said, I think Fonoti will get a chance to show what he’s got and with three years of eligibility remaining, there is plenty of time for Fonoti to make his way up the totem pole.
When He Plays
He will probably get a little work this year, but expect 2027-2028 to be Fonoti’s breakout years. It’s hard to compete with a running back room that did so well just a season ago and I think this was a longer term move for Fonoti.
What It Means
The additions keep piling on and even though this wasn’t exactly a position of need for the Tigers, this is still a good add. Fonoti has proven that he can compete and show out at the top of the FCS but only time will tell how that translates over to the SEC. Either way, any add is a good add with the day and age of the transfer portal.
