The Tigers secured another big commitment in the portal on Tuesday night, this time at cornerback.
According to Hayes Fawcett, Missouri has landed Michigan transfer cornerback Elijah Dotson. The true freshman had 16 tackles and one interception this past season for the Wolverines. He was the No. 2 ranked recruit in the state of Michigan last year behind only quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Dotson is another young, but very promising talent for Eli Drinkwitz and company, who seem to have leaned that way more often than not this transfer cycle.
The Tigers have made their transfer portal strategy clear, but it's not without risk
Dotson only played 94 snaps this past season at Michigan, but already looks to be one of the top options at cornerback for the Tigers. It's certainly been a theme for Mizzou in the portal, with other talented but inexperienced transfers like quarterback Austin Simmons, safety JaDon Blair or defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. to name a few. While Missouri will still likely add another six or seven transfers, they appear to be prioritizing potential over production.
We talked earlier how the Missouri quarterback room lacks any real starting experience, and how injuries or poor play could quickly turn into a nightmare situation. But Mizzou is either very confident in their scouting or their coaches, because there's definitely some risk involved with their portal strategy. There are still holes to fill, and some more upperclassmen could be on the way, but don't be shocked to see more former four-star recruits who never caught on with their first home.
Of the Tigers 17 total portal additions so far, only six have at least one full season of starting experience. It's not necessarily a bad strategy, but it puts a lot more pressure on hitting on some of those younger players with high ceilings,but low floors. Hopefully Mizzou has found some diamonds in the rough, or 2026 could be a rough ride itself.