Spring Transfer Portal Winds Down with Mizzou Eyeing Strategic Additions
As the clock ticks down on the spring transfer portal window, slated to shut on April 30, the landscape appears notably quieter compared to the frenzy witnessed during the December/January transfer period.
With fewer athletes opting to enter the portal this time around, and a seemingly tempered approach from the Mizzou coaching staff towards roster additions, the current transfer season pales in comparison to its predecessor.
One significant factor contributing to this subdued atmosphere is the SEC’s policy, which inhibits immediate eligibility for transfers from SEC schools to other conference members.
While the NCAA permits immediate eligibility for all transfers, the SEC’s internal regulation aims to curtail intra-conference transfers, particularly in the latter stages of the spring semester. Consequently, while transfers between SEC schools remain feasible, such athletes are mandated to undergo a year of ineligibility before competing.
Preceding the portal’s reopening, I identified three areas of need that could benefit from Mizzou’s attention this transfer season. Remarkably, it seems Coach Eli Drinkwitz and Offensive Line Coach Brandon Jones took heed of this advice, securing the commitment of Marcus Bryant, a player I highlighted in a recent article. Bryant’s acquisition, as the top-rated offensive lineman in the portal, solidifies Mizzou’s starting lineup with experienced talent, fortifying the team’s depth and pushing potential starters into backup roles.
While offensive line depth remains a perennial priority, finite NIL funds may prompt Drinkwitz to allocate remaining resources elsewhere on the roster. Additionally, recent departures from the roster via the transfer portal have created new vacancies, prompting speculation regarding potential positional reinforcements and available prospects.
One area of focus for the coaching staff is linebacker depth. With returning starters Tristan Newsom and Chuck Hicks, alongside winter transfer Corey Flagg, the Tigers boast a solid foundation. However, injuries in the previous season underscored the importance of depth at this position. Nikhai Hill-Green, a sought-after transfer from Michigan to Charlotte, emerges as a potential solution to Mizzou’s depth concerns, with his visit scheduled for April 26.
While Hill-Green’s potential addition could bolster Mizzou’s linebacking corps, alternative options remain viable if he chooses elsewhere. Kyle Moretti from Central Michigan and Treylin Payne from Houston are among the alternatives under consideration.
In the EDGE position, recent departures have left Mizzou seeking additional depth. Despite the acquisition of players like Darris Smith and Zion Young, recent losses necessitate further recruitment. Options such as Tyler Baron from Tennessee and J’Mond Tapp from Texas present viable solutions to fill the void.
Lastly, the interior defensive line emerges as another area of interest for potential additions. Following the departure of Ky Montgomery, the need for depth becomes more pronounced. Players like Damonic Williams from TCU and Derrick Harmon from Michigan State offer valuable experience and production, albeit amidst varying degrees of interest from other programs.
Mizzou Tomorrow! #MIZ🐯 pic.twitter.com/oyXzc7Pmus
— Nikhai (@Nhillgreen) April 25, 2024
As the spring transfer portal winds down, Mizzou’s strategic approach to roster augmentation will determine its readiness for the upcoming season. With positional needs identified and prospective targets in sight, the Tigers aim to solidify their roster and position themselves for success in the competitive landscape of college football.
