After a season where Missouri’s passing game never quite found its rhythm, the Tigers are now bracing for a significant shake-up in their receiving corps. Junior wide receiver Marquis Johnson, one of the program’s most explosive playmakers in recent years, is heading to the transfer portal.
Johnson’s departure, confirmed by his father, Domonique Johnson, adds to a growing list of exits from a Tigers offense that struggled to consistently stretch the field in 2025. It’s a tough blow for a unit already set to lose key contributors - and it underscores just how much change is coming to Columbia.
Let’s rewind for a second. Johnson made his presence known in 2023 as a true freshman, flashing elite speed and big-play ability.
He turned just 13 catches into 383 yards and three touchdowns, averaging nearly 30 yards per grab. That kind of explosiveness doesn’t come around often.
His deep shot in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State - a momentum-shifting play in a 14-3 win - was a glimpse of what many believed would be a star turn in the years to come.
But the breakout never fully materialized.
In 2024, Johnson’s role grew - 25 catches for 352 yards and a score - but he remained in the shadow of Missouri’s top targets, Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. Heading into his junior season, the stage was set for Johnson to finally take over. Instead, the Tigers’ passing game sputtered, and Johnson’s numbers plateaued: 28 receptions, 340 yards, and two touchdowns.
He did manage to eclipse 1,000 career receiving yards, a solid milestone. But the context matters - this was supposed to be the year he leveled up, not just statistically, but as the focal point of the offense. That didn’t happen, and frustrations occasionally bubbled over.
The most glaring moment came late in Missouri’s narrow 27-24 loss to Alabama. On the final offensive play, Johnson found himself open, potentially in position to set up a game-tying field goal.
Instead, quarterback Beau Pribula forced a throw over the middle that was picked off, ending the Tigers’ upset bid. Johnson’s visible reaction said a lot - not just about that play, but about a season full of missed opportunities.
His father, Domonique, who also played part of his college career at Missouri, took to social media to offer some perspective. He praised the coaching staff, including head coach Eli Drinkwitz and assistants Bush Hamdan and Jacob Peeler, but made it clear: sometimes, a change of scenery is necessary for a player’s wellbeing.
Johnson becomes the third Missouri receiver to hit the portal, joining redshirt freshman James Madison II and junior Joshua Manning. That’s on top of the loss of Kevin Coleman Jr., who led the team with 63 catches for 715 yards but is out of eligibility.
In total, Johnson is the seventh Tiger to announce his transfer intentions. He won’t suit up for Missouri’s Gator Bowl matchup against Virginia on December 27.
The Tigers now face a pivotal offseason. With a reshuffled receiver room and questions still lingering around the passing attack, it’s clear the program will need to retool - and fast.
Johnson’s departure is a reminder of how quickly things change in college football, especially in the transfer portal era. For Missouri, the focus shifts to development, recruitment, and finding the next playmaker who can bring consistency - and explosiveness - back to the offense.