Talented Four-Star Defensive Lineman Drops Mizzou for Miami

Highly coveted by Missouri, Kennedy Jr. originally committed to the Tigers in December 2024, but reopened his search last month after veteran defensive line coach Al Davis resigned citing personal reasons. 

Kennedy Jr. was one of 11 players on an official visit to Mizzou the weekend of June 20-22. Eli Drinkwitz and company have gotten commitments from three of those visitors thus far - QB Gavin Sidwar, IOL Khalief Canty and WR Devyon Hill-Lomax. 

As a junior for Little Rock Central H.S., Kennedy totaled 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles in nine games. Anthony's brother, Bryson, a quarterback for the Class of 2029, also holds offers from Mizzou and Miami. 

Kennedy Jr. is the third notable recruit in the '26 class to choose Miami over Mizzou. Five-star offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell, a native of Nixa, Mo. and longtime Mizzou target, chose the Hurricanes over finalists Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State last month. Four-star edge rusher Asharri Charles, who took an official to Mizzou the weekend of June 6-8, committed to Miami on June 22.

Mizzou's 2026 recruiting class currently ranks last among SEC schools per 247Sports. Among their seven committed players, linebacker Keenan Harris is the only one on the defensive side of the ball.