Report: Missouri LB Ty'Ron Hopper a gametime decision vs. Arkansas, OT Javon Foster to play

Missouri linebacker and second-leading tackler Ty’Ron Hopper will face a gametime decision on whether he plays against Arkansas in the season finale on Friday, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Hopper has been sidelined with an ankle injury, per reports.

He missed Missouri’s win against Florida last weekend, the first game he didn’t start in 2023. Hopper’s final status for the regular season finale will be known by the end of pregame warmups, Thamel reported.

Thamel also reported that offensive tackle Javon Foster, who was questionable this week, will play. Foster has started in all 11 games for Missouri to date at left tackle.

Hopper has 55 total tackles, second most on the Tigers and three sacks among six tackles for loss. He’s also got three passes defensed.

Hopper is not only one of Missouri’s best defenders, he’s also one of the best linebackers in college football.

The senior joined Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Edefuan Ulofoshio of Washington, Nathaniel Watson of Mississippi State and Payton Wilson of NC State in being named a Butkus Award Finalist earlier this week.

“The five finalists embody the toughness, grit, football temperament and play making ability that the Butkus Award seeks to recognize. It’s my honor to present our finalists, on behalf of my dad, as chosen by our selection committee,” Matt Butkus said in a statement. “There are many very deserving candidates. These linebackers represent the most exceptional and have very bright futures ahead.”

Missouri will be without another key defender

Cornerbacker Ennis Rakestraw is not expected to play against the Razorbacks, according to Thamel.

Over four seasons in Columbia, Rakestraw has compiled 107 total tackles for the Tigers, 24 pass breakups, one sack, a forced fumble and one interception. This season, he has racked up 35 total tackles and four PBUs. He’s been a key piece on a top-level defense, one that Missouri will have to make do without for the regular season finale.

The opening kickoff between the Tigers and Razorbacks is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET live on CBS. Missouri is a nine-point betting favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Eli Drinkwitz reflects on his senior class

Last Saturday was senior night for Missouri and the Tigers’ veteran players were able to go out on top in their last game at Memorial Stadium, defeating Florida 33-31 in a back-and-forth battle finished off with yet another game-winning field goal from Harrison Mevis.

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz called the game, which served as senior day, the story of the senior’s career, which he explained more in-depth following their big win.

“You look at the seniors, we got a couple of different groups, but my group that joined in started with COVID and we had some highs and lows in that season. We overachieved. The next year we kind of took a step back, fighting our way through, losing the bowl game. Last year we had the ups and downs and some very difficult losses, some close wins. And then this year to be able to just consistently overcome adversity,” Drinkwitz said.