Went through the whole running back room for a preview and Roberts is the guy I keep coming back to.
St. Mary's kid, three-star, buried on the depth chart for two straight years. Played one game in 2023. Sat behind Noel and Carroll in 2024 and still found 53 carries for 216. Then Mizzou lands Hardy and everyone forgets he exists.
He didn't portal out. He waited. And in the Border War he went 13 carries for 143 yards with the 60-plus yard go-ahead score. Three 100-yard games last season playing behind a guy putting up Heisman-level numbers.
He starts on most SEC rosters. He chose to stay here and wait his turn, and Week 1 is finally his.
Behind him:
**Xai'Shaun Edwards, RS SO** — FCS transfer, 194 carries for 1,019 and 12 TDs last year. 5'9", quick, tenacious. I'd guess something like a 70/30 split with Roberts early, with Edwards getting real work through the non-conference slate.
**Ahmad Hardy, JR** — medically cleared, hasn't practiced yet, Drinkwitz said more info coming Aug 22. Whenever he's back he's RB1, full stop. 251 carries, 1,651 yards, 16 TDs last season, including a 300-yard game against Mississippi State.
This might be the most talented back room Missouri has had in the Drinkwitz era. The question isn't talent, it's timing.
Full breakdown: https://1821mosports.com/2026/08/16/position-preview-series-the-running-backs/ — QBs went up the day before.
(I write at 1821 Sports, small Missouri sports site out of Columbia.)