Six former Missouri Tigers are heading to Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, a key step in the pre-draft process that can significantly shape a player's stock ahead of April’s draft. The Combine, which runs from February 23 to March 2, will feature 319 of the top prospects from around the country, and Mizzou is sending a strong contingent.
The Tigers' group includes wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., offensive tackle Keagen Trost, defensive tackle Chris McClellan, defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Josiah Trotter, and cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. It’s a diverse mix of talent across both sides of the ball, and each player brings a unique skill set that could turn heads in Indy.
For Missouri, this marks a notable moment in a recent trend of increasing visibility at the Combine. After sending four players last year and eight in 2024, the Tigers continue to show they can develop NFL-caliber talent. That’s not just a win for the program-it’s a signal to recruits and scouts alike that Columbia remains a legitimate pipeline to the pros.
While the Combine has its fair share of 40-yard dashes and bench press reps, it’s the interviews, medical evaluations, and on-field drills that often make or break a prospect’s draft positioning. For someone like Kevin Coleman Jr., this is a chance to showcase his route-running and explosiveness in front of all 32 teams. For Keagen Trost, it’s about demonstrating footwork, hand placement, and the kind of anchor that could protect a franchise quarterback down the line.
On the defensive side, Chris McClellan and Zion Young bring size and power up front, with Young in particular having a chance to show off his edge-rushing burst in position drills. Josiah Trotter, a linebacker with strong instincts, will look to impress in coverage drills and interviews, where teams will want to get a sense of his football IQ and leadership. Toriano Pride Jr., meanwhile, will be tested in the 3-cone and shuttle drills-metrics that often matter most for corners trying to prove they can stay sticky in man coverage at the next level.
In terms of overall school representation, Missouri’s six invitees stack up well. Texas A&M leads the way with 13 players invited, followed closely by Alabama with 12.
LSU and Ohio State each have 11, while Georgia, Miami, and Oklahoma all sit at 10. Nine players each are coming from Clemson, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, and Penn State.
Michigan and Texas Tech round out the top tier with eight apiece.
The Combine is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a big one. For these six former Tigers, it’s a national stage to prove they belong. And with the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, the countdown is officially on.