We had a special guest stop by the studio as one of the anchors of the Missouri State University football Bears’ defensive front joined us. Former Reeds Spring High School standout Caden Wiest sat down to talk about the massive shifts happening within the program under new head coach Casey Woods, his choice to bypass the transfer portal, and the upcoming gridiron season.

Navigating the Transfer Portal and Trusting Coach Woods

When former head coach Ryan Beard departed for Coastal Carolina right around bowl season last winter, the locker room was flooded with uncertainty. Players had to decide whether to stick it out or look for new homes. We asked Caden point-blank if he considered hitting the transfer portal. He admitted that entering the portal was a major consideration and he leaned toward doing it at times, but he ultimate chose to stay. A massive reason for that choice was the authentic approach of Coach Casey Woods. Caden noted that Coach Woods was incredibly straightforward from their very first meeting, bringing an unscripted, genuine plan that instantly earned the team’s respect.

Physical Transformation

The Bears are enduring the summer grind, and Caden highlighted the massive impact of the program’s new strength program. The defensive lineman, who came to campus weighing around 240 pounds, is currently sitting at his goal weight of 265 pounds. According to Wiest, the fresh process has the entire roster looking and feeling noticeably stronger and more prepared than before his arrival. Coupled with a revamped focus on nutrition and a new head trainer, the physical standard in the locker room has reached a completely different level.

Cultivating the “Ozarks Trio” on Defense

Defensive coordinator Jack Curtis is introducing a “tough-nosed football” philosophy that permits Caden to move around the defensive line, shifting between the inside and outside positions. But what really has local fans excited is the potential of what we are calling the “Ozarks Trio.” Wiest will be flying around the edge alongside fellow local standouts Kellen Lindstrom and Cooper Roy. Wiest shared that he and Lindstrom, a high-profile transfer from Tennessee, have built a tight relationship over the last few months, even spending recent downtime hanging out at the lake.

Proving Everyone Wrong in the FBS Era

Reflecting on last season’s historical transition to the FBS level, Caden described it as a thrilling journey focused on proving critics wrong and proving themselves right. Monumental road victories like the upset at Marshall and a thrilling win over Liberty established a firm foundation for this roster. With a strong core of veterans returning, Caden is fully focused on an explosive breakout year aimed at a conference championship and another bowl appearance.