Missouri football lands Ohio transfer DT Bralen Henderson. How that helps MU’s defensive line
**Missouri Football Bolsters Defensive Line with Ohio Transfer Bralen Henderson**
The Missouri Tigers have strengthened their defensive front by acquiring graduate transfer Bralen Henderson from Ohio University. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle brings valuable experience and depth to a unit aiming to fill the void left by departing captain Kristian Williams.([Mizzou Today][1])
Henderson, a Pittsburgh native and Central Catholic High School alumnus, spent four seasons with the Ohio Bobcats. After redshirting in 2021, he became a key contributor, starting all 14 games in the 2024 season. Over his collegiate career, Henderson amassed 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble .([Rock M Nation][2])
His addition to Missouri’s roster introduces a seasoned presence to a defensive tackle group that, while deep, is relatively young. Henderson is expected to compete for playing time alongside returners Chris McClellan and Sterling Webb, as well as redshirt juniors Marquis Gracial and Jalen Marshall. McClellan, noted for his run-stopping abilities and surprising agility, recorded 18 pressures in the previous season, while Webb is anticipated to take on a more prominent role .([SI][3])
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz emphasized the importance of competition within the team, stating, “If we feel like we need to create some competition because certain players aren’t achieving at the level we want them to, and we need to challenge them… then yeah, we may factor that in” .([SI][3])
Henderson’s skill set, characterized by his lighter frame and pass-rushing capabilities, offers a different dynamic to Missouri’s defensive line. His experience and versatility are expected to provide the Tigers with strategic options as they navigate the upcoming season.([SI][3])
With Henderson’s commitment, Missouri continues to enhance its roster through the transfer portal, aiming to build upon its recent successes and maintain a competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference.([Rock M Nation][2])
[1]: https://missouri.rivals.com/news/ohio-transfer-dl-bralen-henderson-commits-to-mizzou?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ohio transfer DL Bralen Henderson commits to Mizzou – Missouri”
[2]: https://www.rockmnation.com/2025/5/3/24423069/missouri-mizzou-tigers-football-ohio-defensive-lineman-transfer-portal-bralen-henderson-maction-sec?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Ohio Defensive Lineman Transfer Bralen Henderson Commits to …”
[3]: https://www.si.com/college/missouri/football/how-transfer-bralen-henderson-shakes-up-mizzou-defensive-tackle-room?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How Transfer Bralen Henderson Shakes Up the Mizzou Defensive …”
