Missouri made another notable move in the transfer portal Tuesday night, adding a new piece to its secondary.
A ccording to Hayes Fawcett, the Tigers landed Michigan transfer cornerback Elijah Dotson, a former blue-chip recruit who saw limited action as a true freshman with the Wolverines. Dotson finished the season with 16 tackles and one interception and entered college ranked as the No. 2 recruit in the state of Michigan, trailing only quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Dotson’s commitment continues a growing trend under head coach Eli Drinkwitz, as Missouri has consistently targeted young, high-upside players during this portal cycle.
Missouri’s portal philosophy is clear — and the risk is real
Dotson logged just 94 defensive snaps at Michigan, yet he projects as a potential immediate contributor at cornerback for the Tigers. His profile mirrors several other recent Missouri additions — players with strong recruiting pedigrees but limited college experience.
Quarterback Austin Simmons, safety JaDon Blair, and defensive lineman Donta Simpson Jr. all fit that description. While Missouri is expected to add several more transfers before the portal window closes, the emphasis appears to be on long-term upside rather than proven production.
That strategy carries inherent risk. Earlier evaluations highlighted concerns about Missouri’s quarterback depth, particularly the lack of established starters — a situation that could quickly become problematic in the event of injuries or inconsistent play. Still, Drinkwitz and his staff appear confident in their talent evaluations and development system.
There are remaining roster gaps to address, and veteran additions remain a possibility. However, Missouri’s recent approach suggests more former four-star prospects seeking a fresh start could soon arrive in Columbia.
Of Missouri’s 17 transfer portal additions so far, only six have logged a full season as a starter at the college level. While the strategy isn’t necessarily flawed, it places added pressure on player development. If those high-upside bets pay off, the Tigers could uncover key contributors. If not, the lack of experience could make the road ahead far more challenging — particularly as the program looks toward the 2026 season.
