Earlier this year, Auburn’s defense limited Missouri to 17 points through regulation before MU ultimately escaped with a 23-17 victory in double overtime.
Now, one of the key defenders from that Auburn unit is headed to Columbia. According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. has committed to Missouri via the transfer portal.
Woodyard started 11 games for Auburn during the 2025 season and ranked second on the team with 67 total tackles. He added seven tackles for loss and two sacks, earning First Team All-SEC recognition from Pro Football Focus.
The Mobile, Alabama native delivered one of his strongest performances of the season against Missouri, posting a career-best 11 tackles along with four tackles for loss.
On3 ranks Woodyard as the No. 3 linebacker and the No. 33 overall player in the transfer portal. He will enter his final collegiate season with one year of eligibility remaining.
Listed at 6-foot and 241 pounds, Woodyard visited Missouri this past weekend following a stop at Kentucky. He also drew interest from Texas, Baylor and Florida State before ultimately choosing the Tigers.
His arrival provides Missouri with a veteran presence to help fill the void left by standout linebacker Josiah Trotter, who declared for the NFL Draft after earning First Team All-SEC honors in his lone season at MU. Missouri is also set to lose linebackers Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson to graduation.
The Tigers will return sophomore linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, who is expected to line up alongside Woodyard. Rodriguez saw his role expand as the season progressed and finished with 46 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
After skyrocketing up NFL Draft boards during his single season at Missouri, Trotter emerged as a projected Day 2 selection and a potential top-50 prospect. Woodyard will look to capitalize on a similar opportunity as he prepares for his final season in Columbia.
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