Could Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel be better than 2023 Cody Schrader?

Going into the 2024/25 season, Missouri's offense has a ton of returning talent. There really aren't any obvious offensive holes in the roster. They will be returning their entire receiving core, along with Brady Cook, and a variation of their offensive line. But, the one thing that figures to be drastically different is the running back position.

Missouri is coming off an all-time rushing performance last year from Cody Schrader. Unfortunately, Missouri's single season rushing record breaker was out of eligibility and turned professional after his fantastic 2023/24 campaign. This left the program looking to fill his void in the transfer portal.

Not only were they successful in finding his replacement, but they got two elite running backs who should compliment each-other well. Thursday morning on the SEC Unfiltered podcast, Cole Thompson (one of the hosts) said he believed Missouri's running back room could be even better than last year, and he isn't wrong. Let's take a look at the two options for Missouri.

Who is Nate Noel?

Noel was a fantastic pick-up in the transfer portal. The 5-foot-10 running back is quick and elusive. He seems to have a knack for the game, and in his time at Appalachian State, he accumulated 3,074 yards rushing, which is good for eighth all time in program history.

Last season Noel was number two nationally in rushing yards per game (130.2), and led the nation in rushing attempts per game (24.6). He battled through an ankle injury all year and still managed incredible production.

Nate Noel posses incredible vision, and an ability to create holes behind the LOS. He is really good in zone run schemes, and can make himself an option out of the backfield. Noel is a very well-rounded back and should be able to continue his production at Missouri.

Who is Marcus Carroll?

Carroll might be even more established than his counterpart Noel. The product from Union City, Georgia, bursted on to the scene last year at Georgia State, rushing for 1,350 yards, which was good for ninth most in the country.

He was recognized as a semi-finalist for the Doak Walker award, which is awarded to the most outstanding running back in the country. Carroll has amazing stop-start talent, along with the ability to be an option as a patch catcher out of the backfield. He is a strong runner, and will use his low center of gravity to gain an advantage.

Carroll will figure to make an awesome partnership with fellow running back, Nate Noel. The two of them together are already being described as a "thunder and lightning" duo. Both of them are seniors, and will be looking to showcase their ability ahead of potential futures in the NFL.

Missouri really might have struck gold in the replacement of Cody Schrader, and it's not ridiculous to expect production similar to last year from the running back position. Both Carroll and Noel will see a ton of action, and will seemingly have a huge impact on this team. They are joining one of the top offenses in the country, and both will help take some attention off the dynamic receiving weapons that Missouri is returning.