Mizzou Hoops Makes History with McDonald’s All-American Duo, Zion Young Shines at Senior Bowl, and Gymnastics Climbs the Rankings
It’s a big week in Columbia - and not just because of what’s happening on the hardwood. Mizzou Basketball, Football, and Gymnastics are all generating serious buzz, and for good reason. Let’s break it down.
Mizzou Basketball Lands Two McDonald’s All-Americans - A First in Program History
Year 5 under Dennis Gates is shaping up to be a defining chapter for Mizzou Hoops. The Tigers just made a serious statement on the recruiting trail: five-star guard Jason Crowe Jr. and five-star forward Toni Bryant have both been named McDonald’s All-Americans - the first time Mizzou has ever landed two in the same class.
That’s not just a milestone; it’s a message to the rest of college basketball that Mizzou is officially in the mix for elite-level talent.
Crowe and Bryant now join an exclusive club in program history, becoming just the sixth and seventh Tigers ever to earn McDonald’s All-American honors. The list they’re joining includes names like Steve Stipanovich, Derrick Chievous, Anthony Peeler, Travon Bryant, and Michael Porter Jr. - players who left a serious mark on the program.
Crowe, a dynamic playmaker with elite scoring instincts, will suit up for the West team, while Bryant, a versatile forward with two-way upside, will represent the East. The McDonald’s All-American Game tips off on Tuesday, March 31 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona and will air on ESPN. Expect plenty of eyes on that one.
Four-star commit Aidan Chronister was also in the conversation, earning a nomination for the game, though he didn’t make the final roster. Still, his inclusion in the mix speaks to the overall strength of this incoming class.
With this kind of talent coming in, Gates has a foundation to build something real - and fast.
Zion Young Turns Heads at the Senior Bowl
Switching gears to the gridiron, EDGE rusher Zion Young made the absolute most of his Senior Bowl opportunity - and NFL scouts took notice.
Young was a force all week in practice and capped it off by being named Senior Bowl Player of the Game. He earned that honor by forcing a fumble and adding two tackles, showcasing the kind of disruptive presence that translates well to Sundays.
Scouts were especially impressed by his power and motor off the edge. That combination has helped push him into early Round 2 consideration on several draft boards - and some buzz is even starting to build around a potential late first-round selection.
It’s a big leap, but not an unwarranted one. Young’s tape has always shown flashes, but his week in Mobile may have solidified him as one of the top risers in this year’s draft class.
Malik Bryant’s Fresh Start with Mizzou Football
Another name to keep an eye on: Malik Bryant. The former Miami linebacker didn’t quite find his rhythm last season, but now he’s got a fresh start in Columbia - and the tools to make an impact.
Assuming he stays healthy, Bryant could be a day-one starter for the Tigers' defense. He brings SEC-level size and athleticism, and sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs to unlock their potential. Mizzou’s defense has been trending upward, and Bryant could be a key piece in keeping that momentum going.
Mizzou Gymnastics Continues to Rise in the Rankings
Don’t overlook what’s happening in the gym, either. After five weeks of competition, Mizzou Gymnastics is holding strong at No. 7 in the national rankings with a 197.155 average - a slight bump from last week’s 197.069.
Here’s how things shake out event by event:
- Vault: Dropped one spot to No.
6 (49.255 avg)
- Bars: Climbed two spots to No.
10 (49.220 avg)
- Beam: Up two spots to No.
7 (49.265 avg)
- Floor: Slipped one spot to No.
3 (49.415 avg)
In the SEC, they currently sit sixth - but with scores trending up and plenty of season left, there’s room to climb. This team has the talent to contend with the conference’s best, and if they can tighten up a few routines, they’ll be right in the thick of things come postseason.
Bottom Line
Whether it's on the court, the field, or the mat, Mizzou is making moves. The basketball program just pulled off a historic recruiting feat, Zion Young is charging up NFL draft boards, Malik Bryant is getting a fresh start, and the gymnastics squad is quietly becoming one of the most consistent teams in the country.
It’s a good time to be a Tiger.