SPRINGFIELD — It was going to be a breakout season for J.J. O’Neal. As a local product, the safety was proud to represent Missouri State at the Conference USA Media Day in 2025. After four games, O’Neal decided to step away and utilize his redshirt, making him available for one more season. “Honestly, it was a very tough process for me,” O’Neal said. “It was a very tough time.” O’Neal started the season opener against USC. He would then come off the bench for the next three games against Marshall, SMU, and UT Martin. It was just another chapter in O’Neal’s wild college football career. As a standout high school football quarterback at Logan-Rogersville, he changed positions to the secondary. O’Neal was a walk-on before securing a scholarship before his sophomore season. The 6-foot-2 defensive back was then voted team captain before the 2025 season. During the offseason, O’Neal thought he was gone. He was ready to play college football somewhere else, but a conversation with new head coach Casey Woods brought him back. Missouri State football: Running back Ramone Green Jr. eyes big year Missouri State: Bears unveil facility upgrades that could transform program
“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” O’Neal said. “I thought I was going to be out of the area. I have a lot of people that come to these games, over 20 people every game.” Woods has done a fantastic job building relationships with players during his short tenure. His emphasis on family and time together has impressed Nixa running back Ramone Green Jr. It’s also a huge emphasis for O’Neal. “My first conversation with him (Woods) was a kicker for me, too,” O’Neal said. “You can feel the energy in his voice, how he moves, and how he cares.” Since rejoining the roster, O’Neal has been working. He wants to rebound and end his college football career on a high note. O’Neal shared that he’s become faster. He’s been working on his speed throughout the offseason, which should scare opposing offenses. “I’m the older guy on the team; I even hate saying that out loud,” O’Neal laughed. “I need to be in shape. I love football. If someone is on the field and they have a question, I’m going to help.” Being helpful is what O’Neal wants to do in the future. He wants to become a coach and give back to the sport that has given him so much. As a walk-on, O’Neal said that no one believed in him. He wants to treat others differently. “I want to be the person that believes in people and change how they work,” he said. The defensive line’s strength has O’Neal excited. This is where Missouri State’s defense can attack the opposing quarterback, giving O’Neal and his fellow secondary members chances at a takeaway. It all begins for them in a Week 1 clash against Texas A&M on Sept. 5. “As a defense, I do think we are better,” O’Neal said. “This is the most depth in the DB room since I’ve been here. We are going to be very dangerous, and it’s going to sneak up on people." Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Inside J.J. O'Neal's decision to return to Missouri State football for final season