When Eli Drinkwitz fires off a cryptic tweet before the sun comes up, you know something’s brewing in Columbia. And when it happens during the heart of transfer portal season? Let’s just say Missouri fans have every reason to keep their notifications on.
The buzz right now is around Ole Miss wide receiver transfer Cayden Lee-a name that’s been circulating in Mizzou circles for good reason. Lee, who posted 44 catches for 635 yards and three touchdowns last season, is no stranger to production in the SEC.
And the year before? Even better: 57 catches, 874 yards, and a pair of scores.
He’s a proven playmaker with SEC experience-and that’s exactly the kind of weapon Missouri could use to bolster its offense.
What makes this even more intriguing is Lee’s rumored connection to new Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons. If that friendship translates into chemistry on the field, the Tigers could be looking at a dynamic duo in the making. Simmons already helped Missouri land cornerback Chris Graves, so if he’s got more recruiting magic up his sleeve, now would be the time.
The wrinkle here is that Lee may be leaning toward returning to Ole Miss-if linebacker Trinidad Chambliss is granted a sixth year of eligibility. If not, Missouri appears to be the next best (and perhaps most logical) destination.
Either way, we shouldn't have to wait long for a decision. But with winter weather potentially impacting travel and visits, things could get delayed.
Still, this is one to watch closely.
While we’re talking portal possibilities, don’t sleep on Miami transfer Malik Bryant. The edge rusher missed time due to injury this past season, but he’s a name to monitor as Missouri continues to shape its defensive front.
Speaking of the defensive line, there’s already a new face in the room: Louisville transfer C.J. May.
At 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, May looks the part of a pass-rushing defensive end in Missouri’s system. He’s got the twitch and bend off the edge that coaches love-traits that can’t be taught.
What he’ll need is time in the weight room to bulk up and hold his own against SEC offensive tackles.
Right now, May projects as a situational edge rusher-think third-down specialist-who can pin his ears back and go hunt quarterbacks. But the upside is there. And with Missouri needing depth on the defensive line, May could find himself in the rotation sooner rather than later if he adjusts quickly.
On the hardwood, it’s been a tough stretch for Kellie Harper’s squad. The Tigers have now dropped six of their last seven games since SEC play began, with the latest setback coming at home against Ole Miss.
The offense struggled to find any rhythm, managing just 61 points-second-lowest total of the season. Mizzou shot 33.9% from the field and just 20% from beyond the arc, which made for a long night against a Rebels team that thrives on defensive disruption.
To their credit, the Tigers were solid at the free-throw line, going 15-of-17 (88.2%). But that wasn’t nearly enough against an Ole Miss defense that came into the game allowing just 56.4 points per contest.
“They pride themselves in their defense,” Harper said postgame. “Their physicality and their size and their speed and just their approach to defense, it makes them hard to score on.”
It’s worth noting that Missouri’s schedule hasn’t done them any favors. The SEC is a gauntlet, and the Tigers have already faced six top-50 teams.
Even the “easiest” matchup-Florida-was on the road. According to BartTorvik.com, Mizzou currently sits at 77th in the national rankings, a reflection of both the strength of schedule and the growing pains of a team still trying to find its footing.
There’s still time to turn things around, but the margin for error is shrinking. Whether it’s football or basketball, the Tigers are in the thick of it-and as always, the next few weeks will be telling.