Missouri football is heading into the 2026 season with a roster that looks a whole lot different than it did just a few months ago - and that’s no exaggeration. Between a sizable high school recruiting class and a transfer portal haul that rivals some of the busiest programs in the country, Eli Drinkwitz and his staff have completely retooled the Tigers’ depth chart heading into the head coach’s seventh year in Columbia.
Let’s start with the numbers. Mizzou is bringing in 51 scholarship newcomers this offseason - 23 from the high school ranks and 28 via the transfer portal. That influx of talent comes on the heels of 26 players exiting through the portal, making this one of the most active offseasons in recent program history.
The Tigers added four more signees on National Signing Day to round out a 2026 recruiting class that was largely finalized during the early signing period in December. With the SEC moving roster limits from 85 to 105 scholarships this year, Missouri had some extra room to work with - and they used it strategically, focusing late additions on in-state talent to round out the class.
So, how does this group stack up? According to the major recruiting services, Missouri’s high school class lands just outside the top 25 nationally.
On3 slots the Tigers at No. 28 overall and No. 11 in the SEC, while ESPN has them at No. 32 nationally and No. 12 in the conference. It’s a solid class, especially considering the strength of the SEC recruiting landscape, and it’s clear Drinkwitz is continuing to build a foundation with a mix of national and regional talent.
The transfer portal class tells a similar story - aggressive, targeted, and filled with experience. 247Sports ranks Missouri’s portal additions 24th nationally and 11th in the SEC, while On3 has them at No. 47 nationally and 14th in the conference. Those numbers reflect a group that may not have the flashiest names, but brings depth and competition at key positions.
Let’s break down who’s coming to Columbia.
2026 High School Signing Class
This class is headlined by a group of four-star defenders who could make an impact sooner rather than later. Defensive lineman Tajh Overton (Owasso, Okla.), linebacker JJ Bush (Theodore, Ala.), and safety Jayden McGregory (Des Moines, Iowa) bring SEC-caliber athleticism to the second and third levels of the defense. Cornerback Jaxson Gates (La Verne, Calif.) and offensive tackle Johnnie Jones (Venice, Fla.) round out the four-star group, while JUCO defensive end Demarcus Johnson adds a more seasoned presence up front.
Quarterback Gavin Sidwar (Wyndmoor, Pa.) leads the three-star contingent and will be one to watch as Missouri continues to develop its long-term plan under center. The Tigers also added depth across the offensive line with Brandon Anderson (Kennesaw, Ga.), Brysen Wessel (Jackson, Mo.), Khalief Canty (Detroit), and Braylon Ellison (Boonville, Mo.).
Wide receivers Jabari Brady (Pompano Beach, Fla.), Devyon Hill-Lomax (Edwardsville, Ill.), and Karsten Fiene (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) bring speed and versatility to the outside, while running backs Max Warner (Chicago) and Preston Hatfield (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) add to the backfield competition. Defensively, Missouri added multiple secondary pieces, including Brody Jones (Fayetteville, Ark.), Carter Stewart (Pearland, Texas), and Trashundon Neal (Liberty, Mo.).
This class has a clear identity - build from the inside out, load up on defensive talent, and keep the pipeline strong with in-state recruits.
Transfer Portal Additions
If the high school class is about long-term development, the transfer portal class is about plugging holes and raising the floor for 2026.
Missouri added three quarterbacks, including Austin Simmons (Ole Miss) and Nick Evers (UConn), both of whom bring Power Five experience and will be part of a fascinating QB competition heading into spring. At wide receiver, the Tigers picked up Caleb Goodie (Cincinnati), Naeshaun Montgomery (Florida), and Kenric Lanier II (Minnesota) - all capable of contributing right away.
On defense, the secondary got a major boost. Cornerbacks Jahlil Florence (Oregon), Elijah Dotson (Michigan), Sione Laulea (Oregon), and Chris Graves Jr.
(Ole Miss) bring both depth and competition to a unit that needed reinforcements. Safeties JaDon Blair (Notre Dame) and Kensley Louidor-Foustin (Auburn) add more versatility on the back end.
Up front, defensive linemen Jaden Jones (Florida State), Donta Sampson (Miami), Cavan Tuley (Houston), and CJ May (Louisville) bring size and experience to the trenches. Linebackers Robert Woodyard Jr. (Auburn) and Bobby Washington (Miami) are both high-upside additions who could see the field early.
The offensive line wasn’t ignored either. Luke Work (Mississippi State), Josh Atkins (Arizona State), Will Kemna (Kansas State), Zack Owens (Mississippi State), and Colin Sorensen (Charleston Southern) will all compete for snaps and provide much-needed depth.
Special teams also got some love with punters Brunno Reus (Florida State) and Mark Shenouda (Tennessee State) joining the fold.
What It All Means
This is a roster overhaul that reflects the new era of college football - an aggressive mix of high school development and transfer portal immediacy. With the SEC expanding rosters back to 105 scholarships, Missouri took full advantage, bringing in a blend of future stars and plug-and-play veterans.
It’s a class that doesn’t just aim to compete in 2026 - it’s built to raise the standard across the board. And now, with the 2026 roster more or less locked in, the focus turns to 2027. But make no mistake: the foundation for Missouri’s next step has already been poured.