Dominick Giudice is set to take on a new role for Missouri in 2026, moving from left guard to starting center after anchoring the Tigers’ line last season.
The shift brings more responsibility, both mentally and physically, but Giudice looks like a player built for it. He arrived at Missouri after time at Michigan and followed up with a strong 2025 campaign, giving the Tigers confidence to keep the solution in-house instead of turning to the transfer portal for a replacement after Connor Tollison used up his eligibility.
Giudice said the move to center is one he welcomes.
"I really enjoy playing center," Giudice said. "Being able to kind of control the line of scrimmage and make all the calls, lead the guys and everyone really trusts each other with all the work that we put in."
He also spent time with special teams assistant and former Missouri running back Brock Olivo, who helped him publicly correct the pronunciation of his last name. Giudice said it should be pronounced "joo-dih-chay."
"Having same similar roots and backgrounds to Coach Olivo, coming here, he was someone that I was really close with and really just connecting on that," Giudice said. "We go out for Sunday sauce dinners, whatever it is and really just connect on our culture and the backgrounds. Have some similarity out here in Mizzou, so it was nice to have him here."
The transition to center fits with the kind of player Missouri already saw in him last season. Giudice started 13 games at left guard in 2025 and allowed just one quarterback hit and one sack in 896 snaps. PFF gave him a 98.4% pass blocking efficiency, a sign of how steady he was on the interior.
Giudice said his background on the defensive line also helps him on the offensive side, especially when it comes to recognizing what defenses want to do.
"I think it's a big responsibility, but I enjoy it honestly." Giudice said. "And having prior experience on the defensive line, just being able to have some understanding of defensive schemes and things like that."
He said he feels comfortable handling either spot on the line, but the chance to make the calls at center is especially appealing.
"I feel like I can play both at a really high level, so I really enjoy playing whatever I can," Giudice said. "But honestly I like being at center and making all the calls, so it's been a good transition."
Giudice pointed to offensive line coach Brandon Jones and the rest of Missouri’s staff as key reasons the adjustment has gone smoothly, noting the amount of time the group spends studying fronts and different looks to build football IQ before games.
"We spend so much time going over fronts, going over all different looks... just building football IQ, so it's able to be as smooth as possible out on the field," Giudice said.
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