# Donta Simpson proves he's just getting started at Mizzou

> The sophomore defensive tackle earned back his single-digit jersey with a dominant pass rush performance against Kansas.
- Title: Donta Simpson proves he's just getting started at Mizzou
- Summary: The sophomore defensive tackle earned back his single-digit jersey with a dominant pass rush performance against Kansas. Simpson's 1.5 sacks in just 13 snaps…
- Keywords: donta simpson, missouri tigers, eli drinkwitz, kansas jayhawks, college football, defensive tackle, pass rush, robert woodyard jr, troy, transfer portal, mizzou football, sports
- Source: Missouri Tigers On SI — https://si.com/college/missouri/football/donta-simpson-s-standout-performance-on-friday-is-just-a-peak-into-what-he-adds-to-mizzou-
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:02:36+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: donta simpson, missouri tigers, eli drinkwitz, kansas jayhawks, college football, defensive tackle, pass rush, robert woodyard jr, troy, transfer portal, mizzou football, sports
## Drinkwitz punished Simpson after opener
Simpson played the eighth most snaps against UAPB, but his coach wasn't satisfied. Drinkwitz made him earn his jersey number back all week.
## The jersey number demotion
Drinkwitz put Simpson in number 88 instead of 8 to send a message. He had to prove he deserved a single digit.

> I put him in (number) 88 all week instead of eight, just to let him know that you have to play better if you want to wear a single digit
## Simpson earned it back emphatically
The defensive tackle tied for the team lead with 1.5 sacks against Kansas. He matched Daeden Hopkins' total in far fewer snaps.
## He did it in just 13 snaps
Simpson's efficiency was remarkable. He accumulated 1.5 sacks in only 13 plays on the field.
## A month lost to illness
Simpson missed all of July training due to sickness in late June. He couldn't do any conditioning work with the team.

> We weren't able to get him back until August 12 and so it's been a a process to get him back acclimated
## Less than a month to get ready
Simpson returned to training on August 12. Within weeks, he was playing a key role in the Kansas rivalry game.
## Mizzou's pass rush came alive
After just one sack against UAPB, the Tigers recorded four against Kansas. All came in the fourth quarter.
## A specialized pass rush weapon
Of Simpson's 13 snaps, 12 were in pass rush situations. He ranked fifth in pass rush snaps despite being 18th in total snaps.
## Incredible twitch and speed
Drinkwitz says Simpson's best skill is rushing the passer. His coach emphasized this performance was just a preview.

> One of the best things he does is rush the passer, he's got incredible twitch and speed, which showed in those two sacks
## Teammates notice the grind
Senior linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. praised Simpson's work ethic. As a fellow transfer, he's watched Simpson put his head down and grind.

> I've seen him work his (butt) off and be able to do what he can do.
## Troy up next at home
Simpson and the Tigers host Troy on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Trojans enter 2-0.
## Key takeaway

Simpson's 1.5 sacks in just 13 snaps against Kansas showed elite pass rush ability, and his coach says it's only a preview of what's coming.