As the spring transfer portal window closed Friday, Mizzou made major changes to its roster. The team lost 45 players this offseason, including 25 players to the portal. In return, the team has added 20 players to finish with 247Sports.com’s No. 7 transfer portal team ranking for 2025.
A key win for the Tigers is that out of the 25 portal exits, none were full-time starters lsat season. In addition, the team loaded up on defense via the transfer portal.
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TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS ON DEFENSE
Headlining the class is five-star edge Damon Wilson, who transferred in from Georgia, and joins a loaded group including Nate Johnson, Langden Kitchen and Darris Smith. At linebacker, Missouri landed Josiah Trotter, the Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. Mizzou also buffed up its secondary, adding third-team All-American Jalen Catalon, who spent last season at UNLV.
TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS ON OFFENSE
After losing key offensive players like QB Brady Cook, and wideouts Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. to the NFL, Missouri reloaded, adding quarterback Beau Pribula from Penn State to compete against Sam Horn for the starting spot.
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“Those two guys will be the primary two pushing to be the starting quarterback,” Mizzou coach Eliah Drinkwitz said in a post-spring press conference.
Tigers head coach Eliah Drinkwitz watches the clock against the Iowa Hawkeyes© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Running back Ahmad Hardy, who transferred in from UL Monroe this offseason, is expected to lead the backfield after rushing for over 1,300 yards in 2024. At receiver, All-SEC transfer Kevin Coleman Jr. will attempt to replace Burden in the slot, while Xavier Loyd adds depth after a 900-yard season at Illinois State. Iowa tight end Gavin Hoffman and Florida State offensive lineman Jaylen Early add extra strength to the offense.
INCOMING RECRUITING CLASS
Missouri’s 2025 freshman class ranks 20th nationally per 247Sports.com, with standouts like wide receiver Donovan Olugbode and running back Marquise Davis impressing during the spring. Davis is expected to be the third option in the backfield behind Hardy and Jamal Roberts. Four-star quarterback Matt Zollers, the gem of the class, is progressing well recovering from ankle-surgery but is expected to redshirt.
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With roster spots still available, Mizzou continues to target a starting-level defensive tackle, an offensive-lineman (preferably a left tackle), a cornerback and a best-player-available.
Drinkwitz expressed confidence in the roster’s current state, but acknowledged key positions still need reinforcement. With impactful additions on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, and a strong recruiting class, Missouri appears well-positioned heading into the summer.
Related: Seven Missouri Tigers are headed to the NFL
Related: Mizzou WR Room Reloads After NFL Departures With Transfer Addition
