Mizzou football is setting its sights on an unprecedented 2025 season, targeting double-digit wins and a College Football Playoff appearance. The journey begins with spring ball, where the team will address key changes in the roster and position-specific challenges. Notable departures include projected NFL first-round picks Armand Membou and Luther Burden III, along with Brady Cook and Johnny Walker. Among the positions to watch are the cornerbacks, where the team has retained most of its top talent and added promising new faces. This preview delves into the questions surrounding the cornerback unit, including the potential impact of newcomer Stephen Hall and the development of younger players like Nic DeLoach and Shamar McNeil.

Stephen Hall: A New Addition with High Expectations

The arrival of Stephen Hall from Washington State brings both experience and a fresh perspective to Mizzou’s secondary. Despite some defensive challenges in the previous season, Hall's background as a team captain and his solid performance stats make him a valuable addition. His ability to contribute immediately could elevate the overall depth of the cornerback group. The coaching staff will be keen to see if Hall can integrate smoothly and provide strong competition alongside returning starters.

Hall's college career includes 50 tackles, four tackles for loss, three pass deflections, and an interception returned for a touchdown in 2024. While he allowed 598 receiving yards on 78 targets, his presence is expected to bolster the defense. Spring ball will be crucial for Hall to demonstrate his readiness to start, competing against Dreyden Norwood, Toriano Pride, and Nic DeLoach. These veterans had mixed performances last year, with Pride allowing 390 yards and two touchdowns, and DeLoach conceding 301 yards and two touchdowns. Hall's experience and leadership could bring much-needed stability to this critical position.

Emerging Talent and Fresh Faces

Spring ball also offers a platform for emerging talent and freshmen to showcase their abilities. Players like Nic DeLoach, who showed significant improvement during fall camp, will look to build on their success. Meanwhile, redshirt sophomores like Shamar McNeil and redshirt freshmen such as Cameron Keys will aim to earn more playing time. Early enrollees, including three-star prospect Mark Manfred, will focus on fundamentals and playbook mastery but may still reveal glimpses of their potential.

Last year, DeLoach impressed coaches and teammates with his rapid progress, leading to appearances in all 13 games and seven starts. Spring ball provides another opportunity for him to cement his role. Similarly, Keys, known for his speed and hitting ability, stood out in previous spring sessions. For newcomers like Manfred, the emphasis will be on adapting to college football while demonstrating foundational skills. The emergence of these young players could significantly enhance Mizzou's defensive lineup, providing depth and versatility that will be crucial for achieving the team's ambitious goals in 2025.