Isaiah McGuire is the only Mizzou football player to compete in this year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The invitation from Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl, came in late November. McGuire graciously accepted, even though he was the only one of his teammates invited.

“It’s definitely an honor, it feels kind of lonely. If I can showcase my talents and represent the University with pride and honor, then I will do that,” said McGuire.

The Oklahoma native has been turning heads at Faurot Field since he stepped foot on the turf back in 2019. Since then, McGuire started in 30 games for the Tigers on the defensive line. McGuire is able to make strong, defensive plays due to his quickness and attack. He recorded 39 total tackles this year, led the team with 8.5 sacks and produced 13 tackles-for-loss, the second most on the team. He is one of a few players to record double digit tackles-for-loss two years in a row, which speaks to his athleticism. McGuire was rewarded for his talents, being named to the 2022 All-SEC Second Team and SEC defensive lineman of the week after his three tackles-for-loss and two sacks at South Carolina. 

McGuire credits his teammates for his success during the season and in practice.

 “Working hard with my teammates definitely paid off, especially in the offseason. It wasn’t just me rushing. Some of those sacks definitely came off late, so someone applied pressure and flushed the quarterback out of the pocket.” McGuire capitalized off his teammates’ support, and together Mizzou’s defense ranked in the top 35 throughout most of the season. The Tigers didn’t allow teams to score more than 26 points until the devastating loss in Week 10 at Tennessee. 

The Senior Bowl will be the last time fans can see McGuire in a Mizzou helmet. 

“His work ethic is going to be the biggest trait that the players will miss,” said Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz. Drinkwitz attended the American team practice Tuesday. Drinkwitz said McGuire became “a student of the game” and “developed exponentially from a high school player to an NFL player at college by refining his craft.” After the practice, McGuire and his head coach shared a few laughs, and McGuire thanked his coach for the support. Per McGuire’s Instagram, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and has forgone his last year of eligibility.

 Tune into the NFL Network Saturday, February 4 at 1:30 p.m. CST for the Senior Bowl showcasing the best players in college football from all over the country.