Bears new leader of the pack inspired by father, led by Christ

SPRINGFIELD--Isaiah Villanueva is one of four offensive linemen that transferred to Missouri State, this offseason, and with less than a month until Missouri State kicks off its new season, the Bears starting center is making sure his unit is on the same page. "This is everyone's first time playing together with this o-line, and I felt like we are a brotherhood, who just balls," said Bears starting center Isaiah Villanueva. "Whether it's me cooking for the guys, just creating that brotherhood, and just be willing to sacrifice for every play, and every rep, that we're just smash mouthing another person in the face." The sacrifice Villanueva speaks of is a philosophy and practice that he believes will help the team be successful from the opening game of the season. "I think everything you're gonna see in week one, others might be surprised, but we're not because we're putting in the work here and we're not an o-line that's gonna get overlooked, we're an o-line that's gonna run the ball." The confidence and conviction Villanueva speaks with comes from experience, as he spent the past two seasons at FCS level Jackson State, where he helped JSU finish with a top-10 nationally ranked rushing offense in 2023 and 2024. Off the field, Villanueva is a jolly, gentle giant, but credits his dad with instilling a brute force intesity when it's time to keep score. "Pops, he's done everything," Villanueva said. "He's done the UFC, he's done BKB, been a world champion in bare knuckle, I take it from him. To see my dad achieve his goals and flip that switch, he's a blue collar man, just a normal guy, just like me outside of football, but when those pads come on and my helmet clicks, it's a beast." Growing up the son of a fighter, Villanueva learned skills in the ring, and isn't shy about taking a swing at his old man. "Yeah I trained behind him, you know, we did a little boxing, and me and pops, we spar all the time, he might have it a little bit, but that old age is catching up." However, even though he's capable of violently moving grown men, with ease, Villanueva also actively leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus. "Christ brought me here. There were nights where I'm praying, on my knees, asking God for opportunity, and that brought me to Missouri State, as quick as he gave it is as quick as he can take it from me and I'd do that every day." Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.