Two Mizzou football defenders & wide receiver announce plans for 2025 season

The Missouri Tigers are losing a key piece of their defense.

Defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft on Wednesday, two days after Mizzou’s win in the Music City Bowl.

“From playing under the Friday Night Lights at Chamberlain High School to competing on Saturdays with my brothers at the University of Missouri, football has been my life’s passion,” Walker wrote in his announcement. “It has instilled in me the values of discipline, resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness.”

Walker was a standout for the Tigers this season, leading the team in sacks (9.5) and forced fumbles (3) during the 2024 campaign. He had two sacks in the win against Iowa on Monday and was the 2023 season’s Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP when Mizzou faced Ohio State.

The Tigers will feel his loss next season, but they were still able to ring in the New Year with some good news.

Wide receiver Marquis Johnson announced his plans on Tuesday to stay at Mizzou and not enter the transfer portal, as the portal opened for Mizzou players for the five days that follow the bowl game.

With Luther Burden, Theo Wease and Mookie Cooper all moving on, Johnson was a prime target for quarterback Brady Cook in the Music City Bowl. Johnson totaled 127 yards across seven receptions with one touchdown.

“I will not be going anywhere,” Johnson wrote on X. “I’m staying (at Mizzou)!!!!”

Safety Daylan Carnell also announced Tuesday he’ll use his final year of eligibility at Mizzou in 2025. Carnell plays the hybrid “star” position for the Tigers. He recorded seven pass breakups with two forced fumbles (one recovery) in 2024.

“1 more time,” Carnell wrote on X. “Let’s do it.”