Missouri found the offensive line help it was looking for — and it comes with proven SEC experience.

According to CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz, the Tigers have signed former Mississippi State right guard Zack Owens, who will join the program for the 2026 season. Owens started at right guard for the Bulldogs in 2025, giving Mizzou a veteran presence up front.

Owens’ college journey has been anything but ordinary. He began his career at Missouri in 2023, appearing in two games before transferring to Colorado State. After playing in 10 games for the Rams in 2024, he moved to Mississippi State, where he earned a starting role. Now, Owens completes a full-circle moment, returning to Columbia — once again wearing Tiger stripes.

Missouri is coming off an 8–5 season, a step back from its 11–2 peak in 2023 and short of a College Football Playoff ranking for the first time since 2022. Despite the dip, head coach Eli Drinkwitz remained a hot name in the coaching carousel before signing an extension in late November 2025.

The Tigers have been aggressive in reshaping the roster. Drinkwitz saw 26 players enter the transfer portal from the 2025 team, and Owens becomes the 25th transfer addition in this cycle. Missouri’s transfer class currently ranks 23rd nationally and 11th in the SEC, per 247Sports — and Owens adds both experience and familiarity to a group aiming to rebound in 2026.