Missouri's head coach, Eli Drinkwitz, took center stage today to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of the transfer portal and the upcoming spring football season. While he touched on new quarterback Austin Simmons and potential shifts in the offensive line, it was his insights into the defensive strategy that really caught our attention.
Acknowledging significant player turnover, Drinkwitz highlighted the challenge of losing key players to the NFL Draft and the unexpected transfer of Damon Wilson II. In response, the team is adopting a "Moneyball" approach to rebuild their defense.
"Defensively, it’s been a unique challenge," Drinkwitz explained. "With graduations and portal exits, we’re in a mix-and-match situation. We’re confident in Santana Banner returning as a safety, which lessens the pressure to seek outside experience for that spot."
He elaborated further: "Chris Graves brings a wealth of experience at cornerback, so we’re leaning on him. This allows us to foster competition among some less-experienced players who’ve faced injuries. It’s all about piecing it together - like a Moneyball scene, figuring out how to replace those lost reps."
The pressing question remains: Has Missouri done enough in the transfer portal?
While Missouri might not be the SEC's biggest powerhouse, they're certainly competitive. The limited defensive additions raise questions about whether this was due to a shortage of options or financial constraints.
Drinkwitz noted the acquisition of Ole Miss transfer Chris Graves as a positive move, but the departures of Wilson and Zion Young leave a noticeable gap in edge production. The coaching staff may have faith in their current lineup, but there’s a looming concern about a potential drop-off in performance in 2026.
Moneyball strategies can succeed, but Missouri’s implementation will be closely watched. With offensive talents like Ahmad Hardy and Austin Simmons, the offense seems solid. However, if the younger defensive players don’t step up, the Tigers might face a challenging season ahead.