Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz took to the podium today to address the transfer portal and spring football. He spoke on everything from new quarterback Austin Simmons to how the offensive line might shake out, but some of his most interesting comments came on the defensive side of the ball.
Drinkwitz admitted to a lot of player loss on that side, which included multiple players leaving for the NFL Draft and the surprise transfer of Damon Wilson II. But what was most interesting is that Drinkwitz also admitted the team had to try and piece together a defense Money-ball style.
"Defensively was a bit different," said Drinkwitz. "With just the amount of player loss from graduation, and including the portal. So it was just kind of a mix and match of 'okay, well we feel really good about Santana Banner being a returning starter for us at the safety room', so maybe we didn't feel the need to have to go get that much experience at that position."
He continued.
"Chris Graves has played a ton of football so we felt really confident with him at one of the corner positions, and then maybe allow some development competition with a couple of guys who haven't played a lot, maybe got dinged up and injured. So you know it's kind of a formula to put all of that together. You know it's that scene for Moneyball. You throw the deal up and see how you’re going to replace that many at-bats."
Did the Tigers do enough in the transfer portal?
Missouri obviously isn't the biggest fish in the SEC pond, but they're certainly a player. So were the limited additions on defense due to a lack of options, or a lack of money?
As Drinkwitz pointed out, Mizzou did make some nice additions, including Ole Miss transfer Chris Graves, but they failed to replace they giant production loss at edge from the departures of Wilson and Zion Young. Maybe, the coaching staff is confident in the current group, but it does feel like there will be a steep drop-off in that position group for 2026.
Obviously Moneyball-type rosters can work, but how Mizzou's attempt will play out is something to watch. Between Ahmad Hardy and Austin Simmons on offense, there won't be too much to be worried about, but the defense might take a big step back this year if some of those younger guys haven't developed.