The college football transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, but Missouri football is already knee-deep in offseason movement. The Tigers are bracing for a transformative few weeks, with roster turnover expected to be significant as they build toward the 2026 season.
Without a spring transfer window this cycle, Mizzou’s staff will be shaping the bulk of its 2026 roster in the next few months. And while the portal hasn’t technically opened yet, the departures have already started rolling in.
As of December 30, 14 Missouri players had declared their intent to enter the portal. Most of them were underclassmen or depth pieces, but the list also includes some notable contributors-most prominently, starting quarterback Beau Pribula and two wide receivers who saw starting reps during the 2025 season.
That leaves head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff with several key areas to address, starting with quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback. Offensive line depth is also a priority, especially with multiple upperclassmen exiting the program.
The decisions of draft-eligible players and potential portal targets will heavily influence Missouri’s strategy in the coming weeks. With no spring window to fall back on, every move in January carries added weight.
Who’s Out: Tigers in the Portal
Here’s a look at the players from Missouri who have announced their plans to enter the transfer portal. The list includes their 2026 eligibility status and position:
- Beau Pribula, graduate, QB
- Joshua Manning, senior, WR
- Marquis Johnson, senior, WR
- Jayven Richardson, redshirt senior, OT
- Marquise Davis, redshirt freshman, RB
- Javion Hilson, redshirt freshman, DE
- Brandon Solis, redshirt junior, OL
- Henry Fenuku, redshirt freshman, OL
- Johnny Williams IV, redshirt junior, OL
- Brendon Haygood, redshirt freshman, RB
- James Madison II, redshirt sophomore, WR
- Caleb Flagg, redshirt senior, S
- Robert Meyer, sophomore, K
- Ryder Goodwin, redshirt junior, K
That’s a mix of experience and youth, with some depth pieces and others who were expected to play more prominent roles. Pribula’s exit, in particular, leaves a major question mark at the quarterback position.
What’s Next at Quarterback?
With Pribula gone, Missouri’s quarterback room is wide open-and the transfer portal offers a wide range of options, depending on how aggressive the Tigers want to be.
If they’re looking to land a proven starter, names like Drew Mestemaker (North Texas), Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), DJ Lagway (Florida), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), Byrum Brown (USF), Rocco Becht (Iowa State), Josh Hoover (TCU), and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) could be in play.
But if Missouri opts to spread its NIL resources across multiple positions rather than going all-in on a top-tier QB, there are more affordable, developmental options out there. Think Katin Houser (East Carolina), Jaden Craig (Harvard), Anthony Colandrea (UNLV), Colton Joseph (Old Dominion), Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Colorado State), and Taron Dickens (Western Carolina).
Offers and Targets: WR and DB in Focus
So far, the only known offer Missouri has extended is to Corey Scott, a wide receiver from Division II West Florida. Scott, a Jacksonville native, put up big numbers this season-63 catches for 1,018 yards and four touchdowns-and could be a sneaky value pickup.
Expect Missouri to be aggressive at wide receiver and cornerback. The Tigers are set to lose four of their top five wideouts and all three of their primary corners from 2025, making those two positions top priorities in this portal cycle.
Here are some players Missouri wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler has recently followed on social media-often a sign of early interest:
Wide Receivers:
- Nick Marsh (Michigan State)
- Eugene Wilson (Florida)
- Horatio Fields (Auburn)
- Chase Sowell (Iowa State)
- Jayce Brown (Kansas State)
- Bryson Rodgers (Ohio State)
- Xavier Townsend (Iowa State)
- Wyatt Young (North Texas)
- Braden Pegan (Utah State)
- Tristian Gardner (Missouri State)
- Jackson Harris (Hawai’i)
- Corey Scott (West Florida - offer)
Defensive Backs:
- Marcus Neal (Iowa State)
- Tre Brown III (Old Dominion CB)
It’s a diverse group, with a mix of Power Five talent and smaller-school standouts. Missouri will likely look to bring in players who can contribute right away, especially with so many snaps up for grabs.
Filling the Gaps: Where Else Does Missouri Need Help?
Beyond quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback, Missouri has several other holes to fill-mostly due to graduation and draft declarations. Here's a quick rundown of other key positions where the Tigers are expected to lose starters or heavy-rotation players:
- Right tackle
- Center
- Field defensive end
- Two defensive tackles
- Two linebackers
- Free safety
- Punter
That’s a lot of turnover, especially in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball. Expect Missouri to be active across the board, not just chasing stars but also looking for plug-and-play depth.
How Many Transfers Will Mizzou Take?
The early estimate is around 15 new players through the portal, but that number could easily climb past 20 once NFL Draft decisions and additional transfers shake out.
Some of those additions will be for depth, but the majority will be expected to compete for starting or two-deep roles right away. With no spring portal window to lean on, the Tigers have a narrow window to reload-and the clock starts ticking on January 2.
So buckle up. The portal carousel is just getting started, and Missouri is right in the thick of it.