Missouri

Missouri's offseason centers on one compelling equation: Ahmad Hardy's explosive return from injury plus a loaded portal haul headlined by Ole Miss transfer Cayden Lee creates the most dynamic offensive talent collection in Columbia in years. The Tigers check in at 23rd nationally with a +10.2 rating, powered by a defense that grades 14th (+7.6) while the offense sits at a more modest 40th (+2.6). New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey inherits a unit that lost quarterback Beau Pribula to Virginia but added Austin Simmons from Ole Miss, plus Lee and Cincinnati transfer Caleb Goodie at receiver to complement Hardy's game-breaking ability.

JP+ projects 6.3 wins for Missouri, which seems conservative given the talent influx and defensive foundation that carried an 8-4 campaign last year. The gap between projection and potential stems from questions about how quickly the new signal-caller can mesh with all that skill position talent, plus a brutal SEC slate featuring road trips to Georgia and Ole Miss. If Hardy stays healthy and the quarterback situation stabilizes early, this roster has the pieces for double-digit wins and a breakthrough SEC season. If not, that defensive strength keeps the floor respectable but the ceiling capped.