'Surprised me a little': Mizzou becomes first Power Four program to offer 2026 ATH Ahmod Billins
Ahmod Billins thought he had more to prove.
The Class of 2026 athlete started to converse more with Missouri cornerbacks coach Al Pogue after receiving an in-school visit from this staffer this spring. Yet as things progressed, Pogue pulled the trigger on an offer to the unranked defensive back Thursday.
“The offer surprised me a little,” Billins said. “I didn’t expect it at this time. I was expecting it to be a little later in the season, but I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity.”
Pogue, the Tigers’ recruiter for his home state of Alabama, connected fairly quickly with Billins, who transferred to Abbeville (Ala.) Christian Academy for his senior season. Pogue admired the cornerback’s length at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds during a spring practice.
“He liked what he saw me do that day at practice,” Billins said. “I also can run and keep up with the guys in the SEC.”
Billins has yet to visit Missouri, but he’s looking to make his first trip this upcoming season. The unranked athlete announced a Top 4 of Jacksonville State, Mercer, North Alabama and West Georgia in late June, completing official visits with the Gamecocks and Bears this summer.
“I’m not communicating with any other colleges right now, except the one that have offered,” said Billins, who also received a scholarship from Tulane. “But having a good relationship is one of my biggest things in choosing a school.”
Pogue recruited underclassmen transfer cornerbacks in the spring window and targeted two high schoolers during official visits this summer. Yet three-stars Nick Hankins Jr. and Javonte Smith both stayed in their home states, committing to Illinois and Tennessee, respectively. While still filling it out its 2026 class, the Tigers have jumped in with Billins, who might play his way into more offers this fall.
