Missouri Lands Chicago Speedster Maxwell Warner: Is He the Secret Weapon for 2026?

However, this is expected to be a busy period on the recruiting front for MU. The Tigers have hosted around 30 official visitors over the course of June, and a number of their top targets are expected to announce their commitments over the coming days and weeks.He is currently ranked as the No. 1,095-overall player in his class, and as the No. 26 player — and top overall running back — in the state of Illinois. Warner is about to begin his senior season at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago.The Tigers signed two running backs in their incoming freshman class. Four-star prospect Marquise Davis and three-star tailback Brendon Haygood are both about to begin their rookie campaigns with MU in the 2025 season.Warner, listed as 5 foot 10, 185 pounds, is ranked as the No. 72 tailback in his class on the recruiting service 247Sports’ composite class rankings. The Tigers are still lagging behind all of their SEC peers in the 2026 cycle. Mizzou will also be able to return presumed starter and sophomore Ahmad Hardy, change-of-pace back and redshirt sophomore Jamal Roberts, and reserve and redshirt junior Tavorus Jones. Three-year walk-on running back Anthony Favrow was also recently put on scholarship, per a team announcement, and would likely have one more year of eligibility.

Mizzou now has one commitment at each offensive skill position, as Warner follows quarterback Gavin Sidwar, wide receiver Jabari Brady and tight end Isaac Jensen. Mizzou’s other commitment in this cycle has come from four-star, in-state linebacker Keenan Harris out of St. Louis University High.Three-star running back Maxwell Warner has committed to Missouri football, bringing MU up to five pledges in the current recruiting cycle. He announced his decision live on ABC7 Chicago on Monday evening.

Warner chose Mizzou over Illinois, Miami and Boston College.You can feel the electric buzz around Missouri Tigers football these days, and it’s no surprise why. The Tigers have locked in five promising recruits for their Class of 2026, with three-star running back Maxwell Warner stealing the spotlight recently by declaring his commitment live on ABC7 Chicago. Warner’s addition not only boosts the backfield depth but marks a pivotal stride for Mizzou as they build momentum against stiff SEC competition. What’s truly compelling is how the Tigers are shaping a balanced offense, boasting pledges at every skill position—from quarterback Gavin Sidwar to wide receiver Jabari Brady, and tight end Isaac Jensen—while also rounding out their defense with in-state linebacker Keenan Harris. Though they trail behind their SEC rivals in total commitments, Missouri’s recruiting efforts have gained fresh energy, especially after a jump in national rankings following Warner’s decision. The coming weeks promise to be a whirlwind, with about 30 official visitors already on campus—each bringing a new spark of hope for the program’s future. If you’re as intrigued as I am by how this class will shape up, stick around — there’s plenty more to unpack. LEARN MORE

The Tigers are up to five commitments in their Class of 2026.

Adding Warner gave Mizzou a nine-spot bump from No. 85 to No. 76 in 247Sports’ Class of 2026 composite team recruiting rankings, but that still ranks last in the SEC. Mizzou and Auburn each have five total commitments in this cycle. The next fewest is South Carolina with eight pledges.