4-Star Defensive Linemen Backs out of Mizzou Commitment

Missouri's longest-committed prospect has backed out of his initial decision.

Sep 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz reacts to a call against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Four-star defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy Jr. has decommitted from the Missouri Tigers, according to his social media.

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— Anthony Kennedy Jr “NCAA ID# 2401190201” (@Anthonydk2026) May 17, 2025

The Little Rock, Arkansas, native originally committed to Missouri on Dec. 14 of 2024. He is currently ranked as the sixth-highest 2026 prospect in Arkansas and the 33rd-highest 2026 prospect in the nation, per Rivals. Nationally, he's ranked 428th in composite rankings.

Kennedy's commitment was not completely shut down, despite being pledged to Missouri. He also holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and other power conference schools. Arkansas has long been a player in his recruitment.

His announcement comes shortly after Missouri's defensive line coach, Al Davis, announced that he would be stepping away from the program. Kennedy Jr. has upcoming visits scheduled with LSU and Arkansas, signifying a probable outcome of becoming an SEC member.

The Tigers are now down to one commitment for the class of 2026, four-star quarterback Gavin Sidwar. Missouri's overall class continues to slide down national rankings, falling to 84th in 247Sports rankings.

The end of May and the rest of the summer will be an important period of time for the Tigers. As of now, eight prospects are expected to take official visits at the end of the month.

Missouri official visitors at the end of May

WR Mason James -May 30-June 1
IOL Noah Best -May 30-June 1

CB Nick Hankins Jr. - May 30-June 1
RB Ryan Estrada -May 30-June 1
LB JJ Bush -May 30-June 1
S Jowell Combay -May 30-June 1
CB Javonte Smith - May 30-June 1
ATH Dana Greenhow - May 30-June 1

After that, the list only gets longer. Building up the class with those prospects will be very important in order for the Tigers to build some momentum on the recruiting trail.