After losing one of their top defensive playmakers in EDGE Damon Wilson II to Miami, Mizzou didn’t waste much time returning the favor. The Tigers landed a big-time transfer of their own in former Hurricane linebacker Malik Bryant - a move that could prove pivotal for a defense looking to reload, not rebuild.
Bryant’s transfer was first reported on Jan. 23 and later confirmed by the program on Jan. 25.
And while his 2025 season was cut short by injury, the upside here is hard to miss. If Bryant stays on the field, he’s got the tools to become one of the Tigers’ most impactful defenders in 2026.
Let’s start with what we know: Bryant played in 20 games over three seasons at Miami, with his most productive stretch coming in 2024. That year, he appeared in 12 games and tallied 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they hint at a player who can disrupt plays behind the line and flash in the right system. And with the Tigers losing not just Wilson but also Zion Young this offseason, there’s a real need for someone who can bring that kind of spark.
This isn’t just a one-off transfer, either. Bryant is part of a growing Miami-to-Mizzou pipeline.
He’s the second Hurricanes defensive lineman to head to Columbia this month, joining defensive tackle Donta Simpson Jr. And just a day after Bryant’s commitment, linebacker Bobby Washington - another former Cane - made the same move.
That’s three Miami defenders now suiting up in black and gold, signaling a clear strategy from the Tigers’ staff: target proven talent from big-time programs to fill immediate needs.
Bryant’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. A native of Orlando, Florida, he burst onto the high school scene at Orlando Jones High School, where he racked up 14 sacks as a freshman and helped lead his team to a state title appearance.
That performance earned him a move to national powerhouse IMG Academy, where he continued to shine and was named a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American. Even back then, Bryant wasn’t just an edge rusher - he showed the ability to drop into coverage and make plays in space, something that adds real versatility to his game.
That versatility is exactly what makes him such a strong fit for the Tigers’ defense. Expect to see Bryant step into the ‘Joker’ role previously held by Wilson - a hybrid linebacker/defensive end spot that lines up on the edge and is designed for athletic, disruptive players.
Bryant’s speed and ability to bend around blockers make him a natural for that position. He’s not just fast; he’s explosive, and that’s exactly what Mizzou needs to replace.
And make no mistake - Bryant’s not coming in to sit. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s expected to contribute right away.
This is a player who was on track for a breakout season at Miami before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. Now, he gets a fresh start in a system that should play to his strengths, and he’ll have every opportunity to start from Day 1.
For Mizzou, this is a smart, timely addition. The Tigers lost some serious firepower on defense this offseason, but they’ve responded by bringing in experienced, high-upside talent from a major program.
Bryant fits that mold perfectly. With his pedigree, skill set, and a clear path to playing time, he could be one of the more underrated pickups in the SEC this offseason.
The Tigers are trending in the right direction - and Bryant might be one of the reasons why.