Missouri’s backfield just got a little deeper - and a little more dynamic - with the addition of former Montana running back Va’aimalae “Malae” Fonoti. While the Tigers return their top two backs in Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, the coaching staff is clearly thinking ahead, and Fonoti brings both upside and insurance to a room that’s seen its share of turnover.
Let’s break down what this move means for Mizzou, what Fonoti brings to the table, and how he might fit into the Tigers’ long-term plans.
Building Depth with an Eye on the Future
Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts are expected to lead the charge in 2026, but Hardy is likely NFL-bound after the season. That leaves a potential void in the backfield - and Missouri is making sure they’re not caught flat-footed. Fonoti arrives from Montana with three years of eligibility remaining, giving the Tigers a long runway to develop him into a contributor.
Fonoti redshirted his first year at Montana but saw the field in three games during that time. Over two seasons, he tallied 418 rushing yards, 116 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they hint at a player who made the most of limited touches - and who has some real tools to work with.
What Fonoti Brings to the Table
Fonoti’s game is built on balance, burst, and vision. At Montana, he showed the kind of tackle-breaking ability that makes defenders think twice about arm tackles.
He’s got a low center of gravity, which helps him stay upright through contact, and he flashes real explosiveness when he plants and cuts. Behind a strong offensive line, he helped Montana put together a standout season - and while the SEC is a different animal, the traits are there.
Fonoti isn’t just a between-the-tackles grinder, either. He chipped in over 100 receiving yards during his time with the Grizzlies, showing some versatility that could come in handy in Missouri’s offense. He’s not expected to be a featured piece right away, but he’s the kind of player who could grow into a bigger role with time and development.
A Crowded but Changing Running Back Room
The Tigers have seen some movement in their running back corps. Brendon Haygood, Marquise Davis, and Tavorus Jones all hit the transfer portal, creating room for new faces. Along with Fonoti, Missouri also brought in Xai’Shaun Edwards from Houston Christian and will welcome Class of 2026 recruit Maxwell Warner this offseason.
So while Hardy and Roberts remain the headliners, the depth chart behind them is being rebuilt with an eye toward sustainability. Fonoti’s presence adds competition - and in a post-transfer portal world, competition is currency.
When to Expect an Impact
In all likelihood, Fonoti will play a supporting role in 2026. With Hardy and Roberts leading the way, touches might be hard to come by early. But with three years of eligibility left, Fonoti is a developmental piece who could become a bigger factor in 2027 and beyond.
That’s not to say he won’t see the field this year - he should get some opportunities, especially in blowout scenarios or if injuries hit - but this move is more about the long game. Think of Fonoti as a lottery ticket with real upside, and Missouri’s betting on their ability to develop him into something more.
What This Means for Missouri
This wasn’t necessarily a position of immediate need, but in today’s college football landscape, depth is everything - especially at running back. The Tigers didn’t just add a body; they added a player who’s proven he can produce at the collegiate level and who still has room to grow.
Fonoti’s transition from the FCS to the SEC will be something to watch. The speed, physicality, and complexity of the game ramp up significantly, but if he can adjust, there’s a path for him to become a meaningful contributor down the road.
In the end, it’s a savvy pickup. Missouri keeps stacking talent in the backfield, and Fonoti gives them another option with both short-term utility and long-term potential. He might not be a household name yet, but don’t be surprised if he makes some noise in Columbia before his time is up.