Eli Drinkwitz is basically playing 4D chess with the transfer portal right now. Honestly, if you haven’t been refreshing your feed every five minutes, you’ve probably missed three new commitments and a couple of defensive departures. It is that time of year in Columbia.
The university of missouri football news cycle has shifted from the "what if" of the Gator Bowl loss to a full-blown roster reconstruction. January 16 was the deadline for the first portal window, and the Tigers went on a literal signing spree at the buzzer. We are talking five commitments in a single day.
The Portal Chaos and That Friday Spending Spree
So, what really happened on Friday? Mizzou went hunting for depth and veteran bodies to fill some pretty massive gaps. The most intriguing name for a lot of fans is CJ May. He’s a former four-star edge rusher who was originally at Louisville. He’s 6-foot-4, has a massive wingspan, and didn't burn any eligibility last year. Basically, the Tigers got a "new" four-star recruit with four years to play.
Drinkwitz also snagged:
- Kenric Lanier II, a receiver from Minnesota.
- Vaaimalae Fonoti, a running back from Montana who should be a solid backup for Ahmad Hardy.
- Colin Sorensen, an offensive tackle from Charleston Southern who has 20 starts under his belt.
- Mark Shenouda, a punter from Tennessee State.
It’s a mix of high-upside Power 4 talent and "grown man" strength from the FCS ranks.
The strategy here is pretty transparent. Drinkwitz is betting on "production over potential," a phrase he's been using a lot lately. He wants guys who have actually played college football, even if it wasn't on the biggest stage yet.
University of Missouri Football News: The Cayden Green Factor
Can we talk about Cayden Green for a second?
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The biggest win of the entire offseason didn't come from the portal. It came from the locker room. On New Year's Day, Green announced he's coming back for the 2026 season instead of jumping to the NFL. That is massive.
Without Green, the offensive line would be a total guessing game. With him, the Tigers have an All-SEC anchor who can play tackle or guard depending on how the rest of the unit shakes out. He is the centerpiece of a room that is adding five high school signees, including four-star tackle Johnnie Jones.
The Quarterback Room is... Crowded?
Austin Simmons seems to be the guy. For now.
But look at the names behind him. You’ve got Matt Zollers, who had some flashes in 2025 but clearly needs more seasoning. Then there is the new portal addition, Nick Evers. He’s been at Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and UConn. He’s got the physical tools—four-star pedigree, dual-threat ability—but he’s struggled to find a permanent home.
And don't forget the incoming freshman Gavin Sidwar. Drinkwitz is high on his "accuracy and leadership," but asking a true freshman to start in the SEC is a tall order.
The reality? The university of missouri football news regarding the QB battle is going to be the dominant story of spring ball. There isn't a clear-cut, undisputed "Joe Burrow" type in this room yet. It’s a competition, and honestly, that’s probably how Drinkwitz wants it.
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Defense is Losing some Heavy Hitters
It’s not all sunshine in Mid-Missouri. The defense is taking some hits. Mose Phillips III just hit the portal on January 14. That one stings because the secondary is already losing Daylan Carnell.
Losing edge rushers Damon Wilson II and Zion Young to the pros/graduation means the Tigers are effectively rebuilding the defensive front from scratch. That’s why the CJ May signing was so critical.
Looking at the 2026 Schedule
The SEC recently dropped the dates, and it is a doozy.
The Tigers open against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on September 5, but the real fireworks start a week later. They travel to Lawrence to play Kansas on September 12. It’s the first time Mizzou has played at KU since 2005. The rivalry is officially back, and the atmosphere is going to be toxic in the best way possible.
Homecoming is set for October 3 against Florida.
Then you have the gauntlet:
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- Texas A&M at home (Oct 10).
- Road trip to Ole Miss (Oct 17).
- The Battle Line Rivalry at Arkansas (Oct 31).
- Texas comes to Columbia for the first time since 2011 (Nov 7).
That November stretch against Texas, Georgia, and Oklahoma is going to determine if Mizzou is a playoff contender or just a "bowl-eligible" team.
Why the $250 Million Stadium Project Matters Now
You might’ve heard about the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project. It’s the massive north concourse renovation.
This isn't just about fancy suites. It’s a recruiting tool. When recruits like Jabari Brady (the four-star WR commit) visit, they aren't just looking at the weight room. They're looking at the investment. Mizzou has sold out 20 straight home games. That kind of momentum is rare in Columbia history.
Drinkwitz signed a new six-year deal through 2031 because the administration sees that the "Will to Win" is actually backed by cash now.
Actionable Insights for Mizzou Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the university of missouri football news without losing your mind, focus on these three things over the next month:
- The "Dead Period" Strategy: Even though the portal window is closing, teams can still host visitors who are already in the portal. Watch for one more veteran defensive tackle.
- Spring Ball Progression: Keep an ear out for "Austin Simmons vs. Matt Zollers" reports in March. If the staff starts praising Nick Evers' consistency, the QB race is wide open.
- Recruiting the 2027 Class: With the 2026 class mostly baked (ranked around No. 34 nationally), the staff is already handing out offers to 2027 prospects like safety Jeremiah Proctor.
The Tigers aren't the same program they were five years ago. They are aggressive, they are well-funded, and they are finally a destination for high-level transfers. Whether that translates to an SEC title remains to be seen, but the foundation is undeniably solid.