Columbia, Mo. ? Separated by four years, brothers Ryan and Brad Madison never had the chance to compete on the same team in organized sports.

So it’s no surprise that both brothers are relishing their brief role as teammates for the No. 6-ranked Missouri Tigers football team.

“It’s been going really good,” said Ryan, a fifth-year senior. “He is with the threes and fours, so I haven’t been able to play against him too much, but I have been helping him adjust, and it’s been fun having him here to hang out with.”

Ryan, the older of the two, is a three-year starter on the offensive line and has 22 career starts to his credit. His next start comes Aug. 30 when the Tigers open the season against Illinois at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

Brad spent the previous two seasons in the stands cheering on his brother. As time went on, Brad grew into a fan of the Tigers and came to relish the prospect of playing with his brother in his final season at Missouri.

“I’ve always been a fan of Mizzou, and it helped a lot coming to watch him,” Brad said. “It’s like home since he has been here.”