Report(al) Card: Missouri Tigers

By Chris Marler

The Missouri Tigers have been one of the SEC’s winners in the transfer portal for the last few years under Eli Drinkwitz. The Tigers finished with a top 15 class in each of the previous two seasons, including a No. 7 ranking in the 2025 cycle.

We talked with John Miller from LockedOn Missouri to get his take on the Tigers transfer portal class. Here’s our Report(al) Card for Missouri.

Numbers to Know

Players Lost: 26
Players Gained: 28
247Sports Rankings: No. 24
On3 Rankings: No. 47

Headliner – QB Austin Simmons (from Ole Miss)

Simmons leaving Ole Miss felt like a pretty big indicator that the Rebels feel confident they’ll be getting Trinidad Chambliss back. Simmons was slated to be the starting quarterback for Ole Miss last season, but an injury and the emergence of Chambliss changed that quickly.

Simmons is an elite talent physically. His arm talent is incredible, and he’s a natural leader. Despite being the backup he was the one who led Ole Miss out of the tunnel before the Sugar Bowl. His biggest issue is experience and learning from the mistakes that come from being a new starter at that position in this league.

Missouri has had some good quarterbacks over the years, but from a physical standpoint Simmons may have the highest ceiling of any of them.

“Not to be overly simplistic, but so much of this class will come down to Simmons and also new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. If Austin/Chip can elevate the Mizzou passing game, then it almost doesn’t even matter if the defense takes a step back. The Mizzou passing game was broken during the second half of the season. The Tigers will be able to run the ball with Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts returning.” – Miller

Pete Golding hugs Austin Simmons before entering State Farm Stadium for the CFP Semifinal: pic.twitter.com/k8H9Wma7g5

— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) January 9, 2026

Biggest Loss – WR Marquis Johnson (to Mississippi State)

It was a surprise that Johnson left Missouri for most in Columbia. They were already losing Kevin Coleman and he was expected to have an increased role in next year’s offense. He finished with 28 catches, 340 yards, and two touchdowns in just eight games last year. The leading receiver for Mississippi State in the first two years of Jeff Lebby’s offense has averaged over 70 receptions. He should see a big uptick in production and targets in a pass friendly offense with one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league.

Missouri WR (#47 OVR Transfer) Marquis Johnson has scheduled a visit to Mississippi State on January 4-5th

The 5’11 185 WR posted over 1,000 yards & 6 TDs in 3 years with the Tigers

Runs a verified 4.29 Forty. Averaged 29.5 YPC his Freshman season pic.twitter.com/s3KOlZYtyi

— HailStateMuse (@HailStateMuse) January 2, 2026

Instant Impact – LB Robert Woodyard Jr (from Auburn)

Woodyard brings a ton of experience to Missouri as one of the best returning linebackers in the league. That’s saying something considering the talent at that position that will return in 2026. Woodyard was great for Auburn in 2025 finishing second on the team in tackles with 67, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks.

“Josiah Trotter was as good at LB as anyone in the SEC last season. With JT off to the NFL, I can’t imagine Mizzou getting a better replacement than Woodyard, who had 4 TFL against Mizzou last season.” – Miller

Robert Woodyard Jr. is a Missouri Tiger.

✍️ @RobertWoodyard2 #NEWWAY x #TheMizzouWay pic.twitter.com/UP0WSd1VGq

— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) January 8, 2026

Biggest Sleeper – DL Donta Simpson (from Miami)

“The Tigers went after some instant impact guys inside but whiffed. I like what Missouri did in the portal in the secondary, linebacker should be fine, but up front? That’s a real question, especially inside. Simpson is a young player with only about 100 snaps played so far, but Missouri has had a good eye for defensive linemen. If they found a diamond in the rough, that would be a big deal for 2026.” – Miller