Missouri just landed a significant boost to its defense through the transfer portal, bringing in former Miami linebacker Bobby Washington. And make no mistake - this is a big-time pickup for Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers as they look to reload for the 2026 season.
Washington, a Miami native and former four-star recruit, brings SEC-level athleticism and upside to a Mizzou defense that’s been aggressively retooling this offseason. He’s the second linebacker from Miami to commit to Missouri in the last week, joining Malik Bryant, and will also reunite with former Hurricanes defensive lineman Donta Simpson in Columbia.
While Washington’s on-field production at Miami was limited - 14 career appearances, seven total tackles and half a sack over three seasons, including one redshirt year - the potential is there. Injuries derailed his 2025 campaign, but the physical tools that made him a coveted high school prospect haven’t gone anywhere.
Now, he gets a fresh start in the SEC, where the competition is fierce and the opportunity is wide open. Missouri’s linebacker room is in transition, and Washington arrives with a chance to carve out a meaningful role right away. At 6-foot-3 with sideline-to-sideline speed and a frame built for SEC play, he fits the mold of the modern hybrid linebacker - rangy enough to drop in coverage, physical enough to fill gaps in the run game.
This move also continues a noticeable trend for Missouri: tapping into the Miami pipeline. Pulling three defensive players from the Hurricanes in a single offseason isn’t just about filling roster spots - it’s about building a defense with speed, toughness, and pedigree. And if Washington can stay healthy and get a full offseason under his belt, he could be a difference-maker in a Tigers defense that’s looking to turn the corner.
For Washington, this is more than a transfer - it’s a second chance. A new conference, a new system, and a new opportunity to show why he was once one of the most sought-after recruits in South Florida. For Missouri, it’s another calculated move in what’s shaping up to be a promising offseason.