Perhaps lost in the excitement of top portal additions Cayden Lee and Malik Bryant over the weekend, Mizzou football added another linebacker to its roster with the commitment of Bobby Washington, the third
former Miami Hurricane to join the Tigers. Washington brings athleticism and special teams value to a defense still focused on rebuilding depth.
Washington, a 6-1, 225 lbs. linebacker from Riviera Beach, Fla., arrives at Mizzou after spending three seasons on South Beach. While his production at the Power Four level was limited, Washington brings experience in a competitive program and fits the profile of a player who can help immediately in complementary roles. His addition comes as Mizzou continues to restock a defense that experienced heavy attrition following last season.
Where he fits
Washington slots in as a depth addition to an already deep linebacker room. Mizzou has already brought in one sure-fire starter at linebacker in the portal in Robert Woodyard, Jr. to complement returning starter Nick Rodriguez. Washington adds another athletic option capable of pushing the competition level in practice. He is not expected to arrive as a guaranteed contributor on defense, but he provides insurance and flexibility at a position where injuries and rotation are inevitable over the course of an SEC season.
When he’ll play
Washington should make an immediate impact on special teams, where his speed and physicality are well suited for coverage units. Whether he sees the field on defense remains uncertain and will depend largely on how the competition plays out between Washington, Jeremiah Beasley and Dante McClellan for the third linebacker spot. That battle will likely extend into fall camp, with special teams serving as Washington’s clearest early pathway to snaps.
What it means
Washington represents a nice, if unexpected, boost to Mizzou’s defensive depth. His commitment makes it a trio of former Hurricanes added to the roster, each bringing athletic traits to a defense that was thinned out by departures, both productive and unproductive, over the past year. While Washington may not generate much buzz among fans, his addition reflects the staff’s emphasis on rebuilding the defense with capable, experienced bodies.
For Mizzou, Washington is the type of player who can quietly add value across multiple units. Even if his defensive role is limited, his presence helps stabilize the roster and gives the Tigers another option as they work to reshape the defense heading into the season.
