Leaning on leadership, Missouri Tigers name 9 captains for 2025 football season

The Missouri Tigers football team is closing in on its season opener against Central Arkansas, set for Thursday, Aug. 28 at Memorial Stadium.

Training camp officially wrapped up Tuesday with the Tigers introducing nine team captains for the 2025 season.

Two of Mizzou’s nine captains are quarterbacks — Sam Horn and Beau Pribula. Here’s a look at the other seven players:

Jalen Catalon

In his first year at Missouri after transferring from UNLV, the safety has already made a strong impression.

Being named a captain in his debut season underscores that impact.

“It’s a true blessing, especially for my last year,” Catalon said. “With that comes high responsibility, so I’ve got to make sure I play my part, make sure everybody’s doing the right thing, living up to the standard of Mizzou football.”

Catalon credited the “brotherhood” in the locker room for helping him transition and said the secondary, with veterans like him and Daylan Carnell, has the leadership and playmaking ability to be much improved.

Zion Young

The defensive lineman’s energy is impossible to miss.

A transfer from Michigan State in his second season at Mizzou, Young has become a tone-setter on the field and in the locker room.

“I’m holding people accountable, all around — special teams, defense, offense,” Young said. “If somebody’s shirt isn’t tucked in, I’m going to say something. That’s part of leadership.

”Young has built a strong relationship with Drinkwitz, whom he referred to as “a stand-up guy” whose balance between accountability and relatability has resonated with the team.

He also noted the defensive front’s daily mentality in fall camp has been “gritty, hardball” — a standard he wants to see carry into the season.

Connor Tollison

Now in his fifth year, the starting center represents both experience and resilience.

The Missouri native tore his ACL last season but has remained a steady leader while working his way back, as he expects to be ready for Week 1.

“Being able to gain the trust and respect from your teammates, those are the ones who voted for you — it means a lot,” Tollison said. “I remember when I was becoming a starter, older guys were there for me, and now I get to do that for somebody else.”

Tollison said he feels healthy and has been encouraged by the growth of younger linemen, such as Tristan Wilson and Curtis Peagler, who have stepped into bigger roles while he has been recovering.

Logan Muckey

The wide receiver and special teams standout may have been the most compelling story of the day.

Within minutes, he charmed reporters just as he has already inspired teammates.

Earlier this year, Muckey was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. After successful surgery in May, he was declared cancer-free and hasn’t missed a step.

“Being able to represent this school, this university, this football team, all my brothers — there’s nothing like it,” Muckey said. “I grew up a Mizzou guy. Words will never describe what it means.”

Muckey’s walk-on journey, work ethic and perseverance made him a natural choice for captaincy.

“He’s a guy people look up to,” teammate Cayden Green said. “His story, his work ethic, his influence — that’s why we voted him captain.”

Cayden Green

The big man is shifting to a new role this season, moving from left guard to left tackle late in camp.

That versatility, paired with his willingness to mentor younger linemen, embodies why he’s viewed as a leader.

“I’ve been working across the line — guard, tackle, even some center,” Green said. “I just get put wherever I’m needed.”

Green said he leans on advice from former teammates who have gone on to the NFL and embraces the challenge of protecting Missouri’s quarterbacks from the SEC’s elite pass-rushers.

Daylan Carnell

One of the most experienced players on the roster, the safety is entering his fifth season at Missouri. Being a captain was a long-standing goal.

“Drink always says there’s no bad teams, only bad leaders,” Carnell said. “So I wear the ‘C’ with a lot of pride.”

Carnell said this year’s fall camp was the toughest he’s been a part of but believes the adversity strengthened the team.

He also highlighted younger safeties such as Santana Banner, who has “made a big jump” and positioned himself to contribute.

Khalil Jacobs

The linebacker transferred in from South Alabama last year and has quickly become a respected voice. Jacobs said the process of recovering from an injury has made him stronger.

“Now I feel like I have a bigger voice and a bigger role,” Jacobs said. “I’m just trying to make sure everybody is up to the standard.”

Jacobs added that fall camp has him eager to hit an opponent.

“I’m tired of beating up on these guys,” Jacobs said with a grin. “We’re ready for next week.”

Looking ahead

Missouri will officially open the 2025 season next Thursday against Central Arkansas.

For the nine players chosen as captains, it’s an opportunity to lead a roster that believes it has both talent and toughness to build on last year’s success.

Copyright 2025 Columbia Missourian