Missouri continues to plan ahead.

The Tigers added Montana running back Va’aimalae “Malae” Fonoti, a depth pickup that may not turn heads now — but could become far more important in the coming seasons.

While Mizzou returns Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts for 2026, Hardy is widely expected to test the NFL Draft after the season. That reality has Eli Drinkwitz and his staff already searching for future answers, and Fonoti fits the long-term mold.

Fonoti spent two seasons at Montana, redshirting as a freshman and appearing in limited action across three games. Despite the small sample size, he flashed real ability, finishing his Grizzlies career with 418 rushing yards, 116 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns. He arrives in Columbia with three years of eligibility remaining.

The Tigers announced the addition on Jan. 16 and confirmed it the following day.

Missouri’s running back room has undergone turnover, losing Brendon Haygood, Marquise Davis, and Tavorus Jones to the transfer portal. In response, the Tigers added Fonoti and Houston Christian back Xai’Shaun Edwards, with Maxwell Warner set to join from the Class of 2026.

On film, Fonoti runs with balance and burst. Behind a strong offensive line at Montana, he showed the ability to break tackles, change direction quickly, and accelerate through cuts. Translating that skill set to the SEC won’t be easy — but the tools are there.

Where He Fits

Fonoti is expected to have a limited role early, with Hardy and Roberts leading the backfield. Still, opportunities will come, and development over time could push him up the depth chart.

When He Plays

Expect flashes in 2026, with 2027–28 shaping up as potential breakout seasons.

What It Means

This wasn’t a flashy need-based addition — it was a calculated one. Fonoti has already proven he can compete at the FCS level, and if his game scales up, Missouri may have landed a sneaky contributor for the future. In today’s portal-driven era, forward-thinking moves like this matter.