Missouri football took its Monday commitment total to three players, as All-SEC Auburn linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. committed to the Tigers.
Missouri football has a Monday hat trick.
The Tigers landed one of the premier linebackers currently in the transfer portal late Monday night, as Auburn transfer Robert Woodyard Jr. has committed to play in Columbia next season, according to a report from On3’s Hayes Fawcett.
Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz reposted the report to his personal account shortly after it was announced, seemingly confirming the news.
Woodyard is the third player to commit to the Tigers out of the portal, all of whom announced their decisions Monday. Oregon cornerback Jahlil Florence and Cincinnati wide receiver Caleb Goodie also have committed to Mizzou.
Pro Football Focus graded Woodyard as one of the best run defenders in the SEC this season, charting in a similar position to Josiah Trotter, who recently announced he will forgo his final two seasons of eligibility with Missouri and head to the NFL Draft.
Mizzou is also expected to lose Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson to eligibility, which means the only player from the Tigers’ four-man linebacker rotation who is expected to return in 2026 is sophomore standout Nicholas Rodriguez.
The new rotation is now coming together, and Woodyard is likely to play a big role on the Tigers’ defense in 2026.
ROBERT WOODYARD MISSILE DEFENSE pic.twitter.com/97p5miLdCm
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) October 12, 2025
Woodyard, who spent four seasons with Auburn and listed at 6-foot and 245 pounds, moved into a starting role on the Plains this season after three years mostly as a role player or reserve.
There should also be some familiarity for Missouri fans.
Woodyard had his most productive game of the season against Mizzou in October, recording 11 tackles, including four tackles for loss, in the game that went to overtime at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The linebacker finished the 2025 season with 67 total tackles, including seven for loss and two sacks. He was named a first-team All-SEC player by PFF. According to PFF, he recorded 16 quarterback pressures.
Woodyard took a trip to Kentucky’s camps and reportedly was expected to visit Texas.
Mizzou got his signature before he made it to Austin.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Missouri football lands linebacker Robert Woodyard from transfer portal
Category: General Sports
