One of the most quiet, but best, moves that the Missouri Tigers made this offseason was bringing back running back Jamal Roberts. Despite Ahmad Hardy taking up most of the spotlight last season, Roberts put together an impressive season of 753 rushing yards on six yards per carry.
At the conclusion of the season, most expected Roberts to bolt for a starting gig elsewhere, leaving the Tigers to try and find his replacement in the portal. Instead, despite what would have been plenty of good opportunities elsewhere, Roberts stuck around, but maybe not for the reason that most people would expect.
"It was important. I started a legacy here," Roberts said about his decision to remain a Tiger. "I built my foundation here, and I just want to finish it."
The St. Louis native made it clear that he never even considered going anywhere else. It was all about staying home for him.
"It was a quick thought because I already had my decision made. I didn't want to go anywhere. I wanted to stay home."
Jamal Roberts may be on track to break 1,000 yards this season
So while Roberts likely would have had dozens of opportunities to start elsewhere, he decided to stick it out in Columbia. That decision may be one of the big reasons Missouri's offense could be elite this season, and could feature two 1,000 yard rushers. Of course, Hardy will once again be the feature back, but with new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, Roberts might have his biggest role yet.
"I think it goes back to identifying your best players. Who are there five guys that we have to get the ball to?" Lindsey said about his offense. "Obviously, our running backs are probably going to be in that mix.
"Then, what's the most creative ways to get them the ball over and over? We had a lot of success running the football here last year, and we want to be able to do that, no matter what. If you can run the ball, you can get the opportunities down the field."
It's huge to have Roberts back again in 2026, and the one-two punch with Hardy will almost certainly be one of the top backfields in the country. Assuming Austin Simmons can be even half as good as advertised, the Mizzou offense may be one of the scarier ones to face in the SEC.