As April turned into May, Eli Drinkwitz found himself without any high school prospects committed to join the Tigers as freshmen in 2025. However, early May brought a remarkable turnaround, with the Mizzou staff securing commitments from not one or two, but seven highly ranked high school recruits from across the country. Following a slow start, Mizzou football has surged onto the high school recruiting scene this spring, with promising additions to future Tiger rosters on the horizon.
Late starts to recruiting are nothing new to Mizzou football under Drinkwitz. In fact, for both the classes of 2023 and 2024, the Tigers didn’t secure their seventh commitment until July 3rd. The recent hot streak enjoyed by Drinkwitz and company prompts the question: What’s behind this positive surge in recruiting momentum? The answer lies in the vibes.
One significant factor igniting this momentum was the commitment of four-star quarterback Matt Zollers on April 4th. Zollers’ commitment marked a turning point, sparking a flurry of six more commitments in less than a month. This strategic move to secure a top-rated quarterback early on injected stability into the program, providing a focal point for future recruits and bolstering confidence in the team’s offensive future.
Another catalyst for Mizzou’s recruiting success has been its proactive embrace of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. With Missouri’s pro-NIL legislation signed into law last August, the Tigers gained a competitive edge in recruiting, offering high schoolers the chance to profit from NIL deals as soon as they commit to attending a university within the state. This legislative advantage, coupled with the establishment of the Tiger Fund, has positioned Mizzou as a desirable destination for recruits seeking immediate NIL opportunities.
Moreover, Mizzou’s recent on-field success has served as compelling evidence of Drinkwitz’s vision for the program. Following a triumphant 2023 campaign culminating in an 11-2 season and a Cotton Bowl victory, Drinkwitz now has a tangible demonstration of his program’s potential. This proof of concept, combined with his recruiting prowess, has solidified Mizzou’s appeal to high school prospects.
In the volatile world of high school recruiting, the slightest shift in momentum can yield significant results. With Drinkwitz at the helm, Mizzou football is riding a wave of positive vibes, poised for continued success on the recruiting trail.
