Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz is making strategic moves to strengthen his program as the 2026 college football season approaches, and this week he added a familiar face to the staff in a newly created role.
According to Matt Zenitz, Missouri has officially hired Jake Breske, formerly the director of player personnel at Tennessee, as the Tigers’ new President of Player Personnel and Recruiting. Breske is not a stranger to the University of Missouri, having previously served on Mizzou’s recruiting staff from 2016 through 2021 before taking a position with the Vols. His return to Columbia marks a homecoming for a coach widely regarded for his organizational skills and eye for talent.
“We are thrilled to bring Jake Breske back to our staff,” Drinkwitz said in an official statement. “Jake has extensive experience in this role and a reputation for running an organized recruiting operation while being an elite talent evaluator. He also has a background in coaching at both the college and high school levels. Jake is a great fit for this position, and we are excited to welcome him back to Columbia.”
Breske’s hiring comes at a pivotal time for the Tigers. The transfer portal is set to open on Jan. 2, and Missouri will be actively looking to fill key positions, including cornerback, tackle, and potentially quarterback. With multiple roster spots up for grabs, Breske’s expertise in player evaluation and recruiting strategy will be put to the test.
“I am thrilled to return to Mizzou and help Coach Drinkwitz continue to construct a championship-caliber program,” Breske said in a release. “The momentum the Tigers have built over the past six years is truly remarkable. I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to come back and help build on that success.”
Breske’s prior tenure at Missouri coincided with some of the program’s most significant recruiting successes in recent years. During that period, the Tigers consistently brought in highly ranked classes and developed talent that contributed immediately on the field. His return signals that Missouri is doubling down on a proven formula as it enters a crucial period for building a competitive roster.
Analysts believe that Breske’s experience with both recruiting and roster management could give Missouri a distinct advantage in the upcoming portal season. By leveraging his knowledge of the SEC landscape and existing relationships with high school coaches and recruits, Breske could be key to helping the Tigers secure top-tier talent before rivals have a chance to swoop in.
Drinkwitz, who has steadily rebuilt the program since his arrival, sees Breske’s return as a major step toward elevating Missouri’s long-term competitiveness. “Bringing Jake back isn’t just about filling a role,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s about strengthening our foundation and ensuring we have the leadership and expertise needed to keep moving the program forward.”
With the portal season imminent and several positions needing immediate attention, all eyes will be on Breske as he settles into his new role. Missouri fans are optimistic that this strategic hire will pay dividends on and off the field, helping the Tigers stay competitive in the SEC and continue building toward a championship-caliber team.
