Missouri
Who will be Missouri football’s defensive MVP in 2024 season? Here are three candidates
The defense looks a little different in Columbia from this time last year.
Missouri football enters the 2024 season with a realistic opportunity to make the expanded College Football Playoff. BetMGM has the over/under for the Tigers’ win total next season at 9.5. If Eli Drinkwitz’s team can hit double-digit regular-season wins for the second year running, they’d be firmly in the conversation for a berth to the 12-team playoff.
With a schedule that seemingly sets up favorably, MU has some questions to answer, mostly based on the unfamiliarity on one side of the ball.
More: Who will be Missouri football’s toughest opponent on 2024 schedule? Ranking all 12
Mizzou lost five starting members of its 11-2, Cotton Bowl-winning defense to the NFL Draft. Five more players, combining starters or key reserves, were either picked up as undrafted free agents or exhausted their collegiate eligibility.
Corey Batoon was hired as the MU’s next defensive coordinator, replacing Blake Baker, who left Columbia for the same role at LSU. Missouri is expected to run the same 4-2-5 base formation, providing an element of consistency, but the finer details of Batoon’s scheme haven’t been battle-tested in black and gold.
So, who will lead the defense in 2024?
Here are three candidates — two returners, one newcomer — who could be the Tigers’ Defensive MVP in the 2024 season:
Johnny Walker Jr., defensive end
The Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP has the floor.
Walker had a breakout 2023 season, staying the course behind past starters for three seasons before taking his opportunity when it was presented last fall. He finished the campaign with 43.5 total tackles, 9.5 of which were for loss and five for sacks. He forced three fumbles, led the team with nine QB hurries and was a force as MU held Ohio State to 3 points for a New Year’s Six Bowl win.
Walker shapes up to be Missouri’s premier pass rusher under Batoon. With quarterbacks like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Oklahoma’s Jackson Arnold, Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman and Auburn’s Payton Thorne on the schedule in what look likely to be swing games, that’s going to be an essential role in MU’s CFP chase.
Mizzou lost that player in Darius Robinson, who was a first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in April. The standard now turns to Walker.
“Something that (Walker) communicated to me when I met with him one-on-one when I first got here was the fact that he looked up to (Robinson) when he was here,” new Missouri defensive ends coach Brian Early said in March. “I think D-Rob was the alpha in this room, and that person is gone and someone else has to move into that role.
“So, those standards that have been set here and upheld by players in the past like D-Rob — it’s Johnny’s turn now.”
More: Ranking opposing quarterbacks on Missouri football’s 2024 schedule
Daylan Carnell, star safety
In a secondary that looks a little different from last season, Carnell is a welcome constant.
The star safety has improved each of the past two seasons, first carving out a role alongside starter Martez Manuel in 2022, when he registered three interceptions on the season, and then earning the starting job in 2023. Carnell finished last season with 51 total tackles, eight for loss and three sacks. He forced two fumbles and was second on the MU roster with eight pass breakups.
Mizzou lost both of its starting cornerbacks to the NFL. The Tigers return Joseph Charleston with plenty of experience at safety, where he’ll partner up with promising sophomore Marvin Burks Jr., who replaces Indianapolis Colts-bound JC Carlies.
More: Recruiting snapshot: Eight Class of 2025 recruits who will visit Missouri football this month
Carnell is a steady hand in the hybrid safety/linebacker role that seems to fit his strengths so well. He hurried Ohio State’s quarterbacks a game-leading three times in the Cotton Bowl. Few MU fans will soon forget his pick-six against Tennessee that put the result beyond any doubt.
Another good season as the Tigers’ starter, and Carnell is likely to start picking up some serious draft chatter.
Toriano Pride Jr., cornerback
You could have picked any number of the nine new transfers to the Missouri defense as the newcomer who could have the most immediate impact. Defensive ends Zion Young and Darris Smith, defensive tackle Chris McClellan and linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. all figure to immediately jump into important roles.
More: How Toriano Pride has made case to start in Missouri football’s secondary
But Pride, a Clemson transfer and East St. Louis product, might be the cog Missouri needs to hit the ground running most.
One: Because the experience around him in the cornerbacks room is somewhat thin.
Returner and Cotton Bowl starter Drey Norwood has put together a spring camp that earned plenty of plaudits from the MU coaching staff. Marcus Clarke is back for his third season in Columbia but has spent all of the past two campaigns as a backup. Behind them, there’s a promising group of underclassmen but scant in-game reps.
With Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine off to the league with Detroit and Denver, respectively, there’s a lot of production to fill. Pride played 26 times for Clemson over two seasons, registering nine pass breakups, an interception and 30 solo tackles.
Two: Missouri needs Pride to impress quickly because it comes up against some top-of-the-line receivers.
From Oklahoma returner Nic Anderson to Auburn freshman Cam Coleman to Mississippi State newcomer Kelly Akharaiyi to Alabama transfer Germie Bernard, Mizzou won’t get much of a breather once the SEC slate kicks in.
Pride is almost certainly going to pair with Norwood in the starting lineup. If he hits the ground running, that’ll answer a big — perhaps the biggest — question facing the Missouri defense.

Missouri
Patrol reports 12 arrests in north Missouri between May 27 and May 31, 2025

Click the + Icon To See Additional Sharing Options
The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently released a report detailing the number of arrests made in north Missouri between May 27 and May 31, 2025. The report indicates that a total of 12 individuals were arrested during this period. Some of the reasons for these arrests include driving while intoxicated, drug possession, and outstanding warrants.
It is important to note that, while all the individuals listed below have been reported as arrested, they may not have been physically transported to a detention center. Depending on the circumstances, an individual may be issued a summons, which includes a court date. When the Missouri State Highway Patrol issues a summons with a court date, it is considered an arrest, even if the individual is not physically transported to a detention center.
Chelsea R. Ingino, 37, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested on May 27 at 4:25 p.m. in Andrew County. Ingino was charged with driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of another person. She was also charged with driving in the wrong direction on a highway divided into two or more roadways and felony endangering the welfare of a child. She was taken to Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph and was released following the incident.
Brandi M. Davis, 35, of Cameron, Missouri, was arrested on May 27 at 6:05 p.m. in Clinton County. She was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine and felony possession of a synthetic narcotic. In addition, she was cited for misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to wear a seat belt, and speeding. Davis was held at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department on a 24-hour hold.
Tyler C. Leonard, 22, of Lawson, Missouri, was arrested on May 28 at 9:48 p.m. in Clinton County. He was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, operating a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving a crash, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Leonard was transported to the Clinton County Jail and held on a 12-hour hold.
Jesse L. Politte, 24, of Linn Creek, Missouri, was arrested on May 28 at 9:51 p.m. in Schuyler County. He was charged with driving while intoxicated by drugs. Politte was taken to the Schuyler County Jail and later released.
Elliot J. Sandefur, 18, of Kirksville, Missouri, was arrested on May 29 at 12:45 a.m. in Adair County. He was charged with felony driving while intoxicated as a persistent offender and careless and imprudent driving involving an accident. Sandefur was released to seek medical treatment following his arrest.
William R. Barrett, 51, of Gilmer, Texas, was arrested on May 29 at 1:49 p.m. in Macon County. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash, and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway resulting in an accident. Barrett was released after the arrest.
Daniel E. Graves, 35, of Kirksville, Missouri, was arrested on May 30 at 1:39 p.m. in Randolph County. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to drive in the right lane on a highway with two or more lanes. Graves was taken to the Randolph County Jail and was bondable.
Brian F. Smith, 32, of Mercer, Missouri, was arrested on May 30 at 2:55 p.m. in DeKalb County. He was taken into custody on a Buchanan County warrant for receiving stolen property. Smith was held at the Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center and was bondable.
Rachel N. Clark, 40, of Forest City, Missouri, was arrested on May 31 at 3:44 p.m. in Holt County. She was charged with failure to appear in court on an original charge of operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. Clark was held at the Holt County Sheriff’s Office and was bondable.
Kevin D. Ford, 59, of Lathrop, Missouri, was arrested on May 31 at 4:30 p.m. in Clinton County. Ford was charged with felony leaving the scene of a crash with physical injury. He also faced three misdemeanor charges including operating in a careless and imprudent manner involving a crash, failure to display valid plates on a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility. He was held at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department on a 24-hour hold.
Tawnie S. Williams, 36, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested on May 31 at 5:13 p.m. in Buchanan County. She was charged with driving while suspended and failing to wear a seat belt. Williams was also arrested on a misdemeanor warrant from the St. Joseph Police Department for failure to appear on a previous charge of driving while revoked or suspended. She was held at the Buchanan County Law Enforcement Center and was bondable.
Johnathan D. Miller, 42, of Callao, Missouri, was arrested on May 31 at 1:44 a.m. in Macon County. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and was taken to the Macon County Jail before being released.
Post Views: 204
Related
Click the + Icon To See Additional Sharing Options
Missouri
Missouri Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 winning numbers for May 30, 2025
The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 30, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 30 drawing
02-28-37-38-58, Mega Ball: 13
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 30 drawing
Midday: 0-5-7
Midday Wild: 9
Evening: 1-3-3
Evening Wild: 6
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 30 drawing
Midday: 2-2-5-8
Midday Wild: 7
Evening: 6-9-6-1
Evening Wild: 2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from May 30 drawing
08-20-34-50-51, Cash Ball: 02
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 30 drawing
Early Bird: 09
Morning: 13
Matinee: 02
Prime Time: 06
Night Owl: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Show Me Cash numbers from May 30 drawing
05-10-14-19-22
Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.
To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:
Ticket Redemption
Missouri Lottery
P.O. Box 7777
Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777
For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.
For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.
When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
- Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
- Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
- Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
- Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Missouri
Missouri governor's plan for new Kansas City stadiums is meeting resistance
The Missouri legislature will conduct a special session next week, with one of the goals being action of bills aimed at keeping the Chiefs and Royals from crossing the border to Kansas.
It won’t be easy. The Missouri Independent explores the political issues that complicate the effort to get public money for a renovated football stadium and a new baseball stadium.
From the right, Missouri governor Mike Kehoe faces demands for tax cuts. From the left, he’s getting demands for more than $25 million in disaster relief after tornadoes recently ripped through St. Louis.
Making the situation even more delicate is gamesmanship regarding the manner in which the regular concluded. That culminated in a Thursday session punctuated by shouting.
The special session will focus on the stadium projects, with the state footing up to half the bill. Last year, Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected the continuation of an existing sales tax to fund the efforts. Soon, we’ll find out whether the political machinery in Missouri can accomplish indirectly that which the people refused to directly do.
-
News1 week ago
Read the Full ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Report
-
Technology1 week ago
Now you can watch the Internet Archive preserve documents in real time
-
Technology1 week ago
Discord might use AI to help you catch up on conversations
-
Science1 week ago
Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie Review: 'Pee-wee as Himself' unmasks Paul Reubens
-
World1 week ago
Neo-Nazi cult leader extradited to US for plot to kill Jewish children
-
Movie Reviews1 week ago
Movie review: 'Dogma' re-release highlights thoughtful script – UPI.com
-
Business1 week ago
Plastic Spoons, Umbrellas, Violins: A Guide to What Americans Buy From China