Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers have done a nice job in the transfer portal so far, securing 13 commitments in the first week. They have the No. 16 ranked class as of now, and have filled key areas like quarterback, receiver and offensive tackle. But while the class is shaping up to be a good, they still have yet to fill a crucial hole on defense.
The Tigers top two edge players, Zion Young and Damon Wilson II, are now gone, and with them their 15.5 combined sacks from 2025. Young is out of eligibility, and Wilson shockingly entered the transfer portal, leaving Mizzou to replace 43% of their total sack production from last year.
So far Drinkwitz has already brought in edge player Jaden Jones from Florida State, but the senior has dealt with injuries and has yet to record a sack in his career. They still need that big-time signing.
Tigers already in the hunt for some of the top talent at edge
Two names to watch for Mizzou are former Alabama teammates defensive tackle James Smith and edge Qua Russaw. Smith is the top overall defensive lineman in the portal according to 247Sports, while Russaw is the No. 9 ranked edge player. Missouri hosted the pair on a vist Friday. The duo is however, slated to visit other top programs like Ohio State and Georgia, so the competition will be steep.
There are a few other players linked to the Tigers, like Wendell Gregory from Oklahoma State, and Mizzou absolutely needs to land at least one of the top talents.
For now, Darris Smith, who had a solid season with four sacks, would likely have one of the starting edge spots locked up, but the Tigers still really need an elite talent opposite of him as well. With plenty of the top edges still available, there's no reason to think Drinkwitz can't get something done soon.