Missouri football has a proud history stretching back more than a century, with players who became household names both on and off the field. When the idea of creating an all-time Missouri Tigers team was floated, fans were immediately divided. How do you compare players from different eras, different styles of play, and different expectations? Still, with current head coach Eliah Drinkwitz offering his insights along with a panel of former players and sportswriters, the list finally came together. And let’s just say, some inclusions and exclusions have already sparked fiery debates across Columbia and beyond.
At quarterback, the nod went to Chase Daniel, whose leadership in the mid-2000s carried Missouri to national prominence. Many had expected Brad Smith, known for his electrifying dual-threat ability, to claim the spot, but Daniel’s precision passing and game management swayed the judges. “Daniel gave Missouri stability and put us on the map in ways we hadn’t seen before,” Coach Drinkwitz explained. Yet Smith’s omission left many fans shaking their heads, calling it one of the most controversial decisions in the lineup.
The running back selections brought back nostalgia. Devin West and Tony Temple were chosen for their record-setting performances and consistency in the biggest games. West’s 1998 season still stands tall in the record books, while Temple’s unforgettable 281-yard romp in the 2008 Cotton Bowl remains legendary. The debate here was less about who got in and more about who was left out, with fans of Damion Nash and Henry Josey making a strong case for their heroes. Drinkwitz admitted that narrowing down the position was perhaps the toughest task.
At wide receiver, the names were just as thrilling. Jeremy Maclin, with his explosive speed and game-breaking ability, was a lock from the start. Alongside him, Danario Alexander made the cut, his dominance in the 2009 season still fresh in many memories. Some expected Justin Gage to make the list, but he fell just short, sparking arguments about whether the judges prioritized recent players over older legends. Regardless, Maclin and Alexander stand as a tandem that would terrify any secondary in college football.
On the defensive side, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was a unanimous pick. Known for his ferocious tackling and leadership, he became the heartbeat of the Tigers’ defense during his era. Alongside him, defensive lineman Michael Sam, Missouri’s first SEC Defensive Player of the Year, secured his place with little dispute. However, leaving off Shane Ray, another defensive powerhouse, left many stunned. “It’s not about talent alone,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s about impact, leadership, and moments that defined a program.”
Special teams had their own share of drama. Grant Ressel, who had one of the most accurate kicking seasons in NCAA history, claimed the kicker spot, while punter Brock Olivo earned recognition for his versatility. The returner slot was an easy pick, with Maclin earning the nod again thanks to his electrifying ability to change a game with one touch. Few questioned these choices, though some old-school fans pushed for Jeff Jacke to be included as a specialist.
In the end, the all-time Missouri Tigers team is both a celebration and a conversation starter. It is a reminder of the greatness that has passed through Columbia, the Saturdays filled with roars inside Faurot Field, and the way these athletes inspired generations. Fans may disagree on who should or should not be included, but that debate is part of the beauty of college football. What’s certain is that Missouri’s legacy runs deep, and the legends chosen for this roster will forever define what it means to wear black and gold.
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