The Tigers are playing it slow with this year's transfer portal, and have yet to add a player. After seeing more than 20 players depart from Mizzou, Eli Drinkwitz and company will have their work cut out for them to replace multiple starters and other key pieces.
Here's three players the Tigers absolutely need to land.
1. Andrew Sprague - OT - Michigan
A Kansas City native, Sprague entered the portal with a 'no-contact' tag, and is rumored to be only deciding between Texas and Missouri. He's the No. 3 ranked tackle in the portal, and would fill in immediately as Keagen Trost's replacement. If Mizzou does land left-handed quarterback Austin Simmons, right tackle would become one of the most important positions for Drinkwitz in the portal. It would be hard to do better than Sprague, who only allowed one sack all last year.
2. Chase Hendricks - WR - Ohio
The No. 10 ranked receiver in the portal, Hendricks is another local guy, having grown up in St. Louis. He had a breakout season in 2025, reeling in 71 passes for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bobcats last season. After losing both starting receivers, Mizzou needs several new pass catchers via the portal, and Hendricks seems to be the top option, although he has yet to schedule a known visit.
3. JaDon Blair - S - Notre Dame
The Tigers need some big secondary help, and Blair is big. The 6-foot-5 safety already holds an offer from Missouri, and has a visit scheduled for Jan. 5. He was a top-75 recruit in the 2025 class and still holds four years of eligibility. The Tigers could lock up a starter for years to come here.