The transfer portal window has just about closed for Missouri football, and with 28 new additions in the books, the Tigers' 2026 portal class is largely set. While there’s always the chance of a late name or two joining the fold, the bulk of the work is done-and it’s clear Eli Drinkwitz and his staff went into this cycle with a plan.
This wasn’t about grabbing headlines or chasing stars. It was about plugging real holes, building depth, and adding competition at key spots. And in that sense, Mizzou made some serious strides.
Let’s start under center. Missouri brought in a new quarterback, and he’s not just another arm in the room-he’s expected to compete.
Whether he takes the reins in Week 1 or pushes the current starter to elevate his game, this is the kind of move that signals intent. Drinkwitz knows the importance of the position, and he didn’t leave it to chance.
Along the offensive line, the Tigers made a critical move at right tackle. That was a position of need, and they didn’t just fill it-they upgraded. Protecting the quarterback and establishing a run game starts on the edges, and Missouri brought in a player who can anchor that side of the line from day one.
Linebacker was another area that needed attention, and the staff responded. The Tigers added experience and athleticism to the second level of their defense-players who can fill gaps, drop into coverage, and bring leadership to a unit that needed a boost.
But the most aggressive work might’ve come in the secondary. Missouri didn’t just add bodies-they reshaped the back end of the defense.
Corners, safeties, hybrids-this group got a full makeover. And considering how much college football has become a space-and-pace game, where defenses are constantly tested vertically and horizontally, this was a necessary reload.
Now, not every position is locked in. There are still questions heading into spring ball.
Depth at certain spots will be tested. Some of the younger players on the roster are going to have to step up, and the coaching staff will be watching closely to see how the pieces fit together.
But overall? This portal class looks like a blueprint for a team that’s aiming to stay relevant in the SEC conversation. It’s not just about filling gaps-it’s about building a roster that can compete week in and week out.
We’re still more than 200 days out from kickoff, and plenty will change between now and then. But as the Tigers prepare to hit the practice field this spring, the early returns from the portal suggest Missouri didn’t just participate in the transfer frenzy-they capitalized on it.
In the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into the new faces-who’s most likely to make an impact, who could surprise, and where the biggest battles will be. For now, though, it’s clear: Missouri came into the portal with a purpose, and they leave it with a roster that looks stronger, deeper, and more competitive than it did just a few months ago.