Who are the five captains for Missouri Football in 2024?

With the football season just two weeks away and training camp in full swing, anticipation is building in Columbia, Missouri. Following a historic season, Mizzou aims to pick up right where they left off after their Goodyear Cotton Bowl victory. On Tuesday, the team announced the five captains for the upcoming season.

There were no surprises in the selection of captains. The group included Brady Cook, Theo Wease Jr., Kristian Williams, Johnny Walker Jr., and Chuck Hicks. These experienced leaders are poised to make a significant impact on the 2024 campaign.

1. Brady Cook (QB)

Cook will enter his second season as a team captain and his third as the team's starting quarterback. Over time, he has continued to learn and grow, and as he heads into year three as the starter, Cook is prepared to be a true leader for this team. The St. Louis native brings valuable experience from playing in high-stakes games during the 2023 season, including a standout performance where he was named Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP against Ohio State. With a full arsenal of weapons around him, Cook will rely on his experience to make smart decisions and lead the team forward.

2. Theo Wease Jr. (WR)

After redshirting in 2019 and spending three seasons at Oklahoma, Theo Wease transferred to Missouri with two years of eligibility remaining. Following a breakout season, Wease returns with an even bigger role as one of the five team captains. He is one of the most experienced players on the roster, and when Missouri learned he would return this year, it brought a wave of excitement to the team. Wease played a crucial role in Missouri's 11-win season in 2023. His presence on the field prevents defenses from focusing solely on Luther Burden, creating more opportunities for both of them.

3. Kristian Williams (DT)

Williams initially committed to Oregon out of high school, redshirting his freshman year there. After spending two seasons with the Ducks, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Missouri. Upon his arrival, the defensive tackle made an immediate impact, delivering a career season. Following another dominant performance in his second year with the team, Williams was selected as a captain for the 2024 season. As he enters his final year of college, he’s ready to embrace a leadership role and help lead this group to victory.

4. Johnny Walker Jr. (DE)

Walker committed to Missouri straight out of high school, but after redshirting his freshman year, his future seemed uncertain. However, he has steadily developed into a premier pass rusher and an elite run stopper. Walker was outstanding last season and still has two years of eligibility remaining if he chooses to use them. Heading into 2024, he was selected as a team captain, having demonstrated leadership traits throughout all of last season. He’s coming off a career-defining performance, where he earned Defensive MVP honors in the Cotton Bowl.

5. Chuck Hicks (LB)

Hicks is another player who spent three seasons at Wyoming before transferring to Missouri. After a mix of redshirt seasons and injury-plagued years, Hicks finally found his rhythm in 2023. As a graduate student, he put together a career year, earning nine starts. Heading into his final year of eligibility, Hicks has proven his leadership over the years and will look to use his experience to make an impact in 2024.