Missouri continues to reload on defense, and their latest addition brings both upside and versatility off the edge. On Friday, the Tigers secured a commitment from Louisville transfer CJ May, adding another intriguing piece to their pass rush rotation.
May, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound EDGE from Highland Home, Alabama, didn’t see the field in 2025 for the Cardinals, who wrapped up a 9-4 season with a Boca Raton Bowl victory. That redshirt year preserved all four years of his eligibility, giving Missouri a long runway to develop him into a contributor.
A former 4-star recruit in the 2025 class, May’s recruitment turned heads. He originally committed to Notre Dame before flipping to Louisville, choosing the Cardinals over a strong group of offers that included Clemson, Miami, and Auburn. That kind of recruiting pedigree tells you the potential is there - now it’s about unlocking it.
At Mizzou, May projects as a fit at the JACK linebacker spot - a hybrid role that demands both pass-rushing juice and the ability to drop into space. Right now, Darris Smith is the only name in that room with significant experience heading into spring ball, so May enters a situation where opportunity is very much on the table.
As a high school prospect, May was seen more as an off-ball linebacker than a pure pass-rusher, but the tools to grow into a legitimate EDGE threat are present. According to national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna, May brings versatility and flashes of high-level ability, even if he’s still a bit raw in some areas.
Petagna’s evaluation highlights May’s ability to play both on and off the ball, with enough bend to threaten the edge and a natural ability to move bodies at the line. He’s not the most explosive athlete off the snap, but he’s smooth, efficient, and plays with minimal wasted motion - a trait that often translates well at the next level. His play speed in space stands out, and while his pass-rush consistency isn’t there yet, the flashes suggest a player who could develop into a multi-year starter.
Physically, he’s not afraid to mix it up. May shows a willingness to take on blocks and has the functional strength to hold his ground at the point of attack. The next step in his development will be adding more shock to his game - that punch off the edge that separates good from great EDGE defenders.
May’s arrival capped off a busy day in the portal for Missouri. He was the fifth addition of the day, joining Montana running back Vaaimalae Fonoti, Minnesota wide receiver Kenric Lanier II, Charleston Southern offensive tackle Colin Sorensen, and Tennessee State punter Mark Shenouda. That brings the Tigers’ total to 24 transfer pickups during this portal window, which officially closed on January 16.
With May, Missouri isn’t just adding depth - they’re betting on upside. He’s a long-term project with the frame, athleticism, and recruiting background to develop into something special. In a league where edge pressure can swing games, the Tigers are hoping they’ve found their next difference-maker.