Mizzou continues to quietly build out its defensive depth, and the latest addition brings both experience and versatility. Cavan Tuley, a linebacker-turned-edge rusher from the University of Houston, is headed to Columbia with two years of eligibility and a clear role in mind: bolster the Tigers’ special teams and provide steady rotational help along the defensive front in 2026.
A Special Teams Asset with Defensive Upside
Tuley might not be the flashiest name in the transfer portal, but he’s the kind of player who makes a roster better in the margins - and in the SEC, those margins matter. At 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, the East Texas native saw action in 11 of Houston’s 12 games last season, logging 111 special teams snaps. That’s where he made his biggest mark, helping the Cougars’ punt return defense finish among the Big 12’s best.
While his defensive stat line was limited - one tackle in a win over Kansas State - his presence on special teams was consistent and reliable. That’s exactly what Mizzou is betting on as they look to round out a roster that’s seen its share of turnover.
Where He Fits in Columbia
At Mizzou, Tuley is expected to slot in as a core special teams contributor right away. On defense, he’ll likely serve as a reserve at defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on how the Tigers deploy their front. He’s not expected to be a major factor in the defensive rotation right out of the gate, but his ability to play multiple roles gives the coaching staff flexibility - and that’s a valuable commodity in today’s game.
There’s also a built-in familiarity that could help Tuley hit the ground running. He reunites with defensive ends coach Brian Early, who coached at Houston from 2019 to 2023 before joining the Tigers.
That connection matters. Early knows Tuley’s game, his work ethic, and how to get the most out of him - and that could speed up the adjustment process as Tuley transitions into the SEC.
When He’ll See the Field
Come fall, expect Tuley to be on the field from the jump - at least on special teams. That’s where he’s already proven himself, and that’s where he’ll likely make his biggest impact early on.
Defensively, barring injuries or a breakout camp performance, he’ll probably open the season as a second-team option at defensive end. Still, in a conference as physical and demanding as the SEC, depth at the edge is never just about the starters.
Snaps will be there for the taking, and Tuley’s versatility could earn him more than expected if he makes the most of his opportunities.
Why This Pickup Matters
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the kind of portal addition that’s going to light up message boards or dominate headlines. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Tuley’s arrival is part of a broader strategy by Eli Drinkwitz and his staff to rebuild and reinforce a defense that lost veteran leadership to graduation and saw younger talent exit via the portal.
And in the new era of college football - with 105 scholarships to work with - players like Tuley aren’t just filler. They’re necessary.
In the past, you might question whether a player like this warranted one of the final scholarships. But today, with roster sizes expanded and special teams playing an increasingly pivotal role in close games, a guy who can contribute in multiple phases and push the two-deep has real value.
Tuley’s not coming in to be the face of the defense, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s a smart, experienced addition who strengthens the bottom half of the roster and helps raise the floor of the unit. In a transfer class that includes headline-grabbing starters, developmental prospects, and role players, Tuley fits the mold of a savvy, situational pickup - the kind of move that doesn’t make waves in January but can quietly pay off come October.