Cayden Lee is staying in the SEC - just swapping Oxford red for Columbia black and gold.
The former Ole Miss wide receiver announced Saturday that he’s transferring to Missouri, where he’ll reunite with quarterback Austin Simmons and suit up for the Tigers in 2026. Lee made it official on social media with a simple message: “Run it.” And given what he’s already accomplished in this conference, that might be more of a warning than a slogan.
Lee hit the portal just a week ago after two highly productive seasons in Lane Kiffin’s high-powered offense. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Georgia native was a steady presence for the Rebels, racking up 101 catches for over 1,500 yards across the last two years. He played a key role in Ole Miss’s run to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2025, catching 44 passes for 635 yards and three touchdowns in a season that had the Rebels just two wins shy of a national title.
And that wasn’t even his best year. As a sophomore in 2024, Lee posted 57 receptions for 874 yards and two scores, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and move the chains in big moments. He became one of the most reliable targets in the SEC - a crafty route-runner with enough burst to break away after the catch and enough toughness to work the middle of the field.
But with Kiffin off to LSU, Lee decided it was time for a change. He’s now headed to a Mizzou program that’s building something intriguing under Eli Drinkwitz. The Tigers are coming off a strong campaign and are reloading with some serious talent on offense - including Lee’s former QB, Austin Simmons, who transferred in earlier this month.
That Simmons-to-Lee connection? It’s back. And it could be a major storyline next fall in Columbia.
Lee also joins a Missouri offense that features dynamic running back Ahmad Hardy, giving the Tigers a versatile 1-2 punch that can keep defenses guessing. With three of Mizzou’s top six receivers from last season either graduating or hitting the portal, Lee walks into a situation where he could be the go-to guy from day one.
He’s not just a plug-and-play addition - he’s a potential game-changer.
Missouri fans should be excited. Cayden Lee brings proven SEC production, chemistry with the quarterback, and a chip on his shoulder after leaving a playoff-caliber team. He’s not just looking to make noise in Columbia - he’s looking to finish what he started.
And if the Simmons-Lee connection picks up where it left off, the rest of the conference better be ready.