COLUMBIA, Mo. — April 29, 2025 — The Missouri Tigers scored a major recruiting victory today as elite 2026 offensive lineman Evan Goodwin officially announced his commitment to Mizzou.
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle from Pulaski Academy in Arkansas chose the Tigers over a host of top programs, citing strong relationships with the coaching staff, a perfect scheme fit, and a family-first atmosphere that sealed the deal.
“From day one, Coach [Brandon] Jones and Coach [Eli] Drinkwitz treated me and my family with so much respect,” Goodwin said in his commitment announcement. “It always felt like home in Columbia, and I knew this was the right place for me.”
Ranked among the nation’s Top 247 prospects, Goodwin has long been a top target for Missouri. His comfort in the Tigers’ wide-zone offensive scheme — which mirrors the system he thrived in at Pulaski — played a major role in his decision.
“This offense is made for guys like me,” he said. “Wide zone and stretch plays are what I’ve grown up playing, and I know I can come in and make an impact early.”
Goodwin’s commitment gives Missouri a foundational piece to build its 2026 offensive line class around, and his pledge continues the Tigers’ momentum on the recruiting trail.
Academic offerings and the overall campus environment also helped push Mizzou across the finish line.
“When everything else was equal with other schools, it came down to how Mizzou made me feel,” he said. “I believe in what they’re building.”
Goodwin is expected to officially visit campus again in June, but his commitment is solid.
“I’m locked in,” he confirmed. “I’m ready to be a Tiger.”
With Goodwin on board, Missouri adds one of the top linemen in the country — and a potential future anchor on its offensive front.
