Welcome to the Morning Commute

Today we’re talking about Mizzou Basketball and Football

ESPN is a believer in Mizzou Basketball this season. In their projected SEC standings — the Tigers are pegged to finish sixth. What is their ceiling for Dennis Gates’ squad? 30 wins, a second-place finish in the league, and oh …. a Final Four. The floor isn’t too bad, either.

From Myron Medcalf — who thinks Missouri should reach the second weekend:

Dennis Gates has led Missouri to three NCAA tournament appearances in four seasons, but he hasn’t yet found a way to get the Tigers to the second weekend. That should change — and maybe it has to — with a stacked incoming recruiting class. Five-star Jason Crowe is a 6-3 guard and projected lottery pick in the 2027 NBA draft, while Toni Bryant is a 6-foot-9 forward who is one of the most explosive playmakers in the class. They join returnee Trent Pierce and transfers Bryson Tiller (Kansas), Jaylen Carey (Tennessee) and Jamier Jones (Providence) on Gates’ most talented roster in Columbia to date.

That’s the projection with this *current* roster. How much would Mark Mitchell change things if he were to return to Mizzou?

On a football note, CBS Sports has ranked Mizzou No. 23 in their preseason rankings.

Yesterday at Rock M and Rock M+

• Morning Commute from Jaden Lewis: Sheryl Crow appearing for the season opening national anthem

Mizzou Athletics announced that Sheryl Crow will sing the national anthem at Memorial Stadium. Crow, a Kennett, Mo., native, graduated from Missouri in 1987.

Pretty dang cool. A good idea put together from the athletic department.

• 2026 Mizzou Football Preview from Jaden Lewis: Meet Your Tight Ends

Entering his fourth season with the team, there’s no doubting his ability as an SEC tight end; the question is whether Mizzou will utilize him more than they have in past years.

Excited to see how Brett Norfleet fits into this offense. The talent is clearly there.

• From Josh Matejka: Here’s what you need to know when attending a football game at Mizzou

The new NEZ should bring a lot of excitement… and some extra large crowds. If you’re planning on doing a walkabout, make sure to get into the stadium early, especially if you’re hitting up one of the earlier contests in the season.

Memorial Stadium should make for a fun atmosphere this season with the newly renovated north endzone.

• Columns and Courts from Aaron Segal: Manny Raga Is Ready to Write Mizzou Tennis’ First Page

“I am always trying to coach players the same way,” Raga said. “For me, that’s being honest, being on the court, trying to develop a good relationship with the players, that they can trust you, you can trust them.”

A good interview put together here from Aaron. Plenty of good quotes from Mizzou Tennis’ assistant coach Manny Raga.

• Over at Rock M+: The latest on all things football,basketball, and Olympic Sports!

Rock M Radio’s Dive Cuts: Mizzou and SEC Basketball with Blake Lovell of Southeastern 16

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