Missouri football has made a major splash in the transfer portal, as new quarterback Austin Simmons could be the driving force behind landing a game-changing wide receiver for the Tigers. Simmons, who has only been officially on campus for a few days, is already making an impact off the field, helping head coach Eli Drinkwitz address one of the team’s most critical roster needs.
The buzz began when Louisville transfer CJ May committed to Missouri just hours after Simmons responded to his social media post praising the Tigers’ facilities. Now, Simmons appears to be turning his attention toward another top-tier target. Ole Miss receiver Cayden Lee, a 5-star talent and proven playmaker, entered the transfer portal at the final possible moment, and Simmons reacted quickly on social media with a simple smiley-face emoji — a subtle signal that could hint at a reunion in Columbia.
Simmons and Lee share a close personal connection from their time together at Ole Miss, where they were teammates for two seasons. Lee described their relationship as extending far beyond football, calling Simmons one of his closest friends. Simmons echoed the sentiment, noting that their bond has only grown stronger over time. This relationship gives Missouri a potential edge in a transfer race that is expected to draw interest from multiple national programs.
Lee’s production at Ole Miss makes him a highly coveted addition. Over three seasons, he recorded 106 catches for 1,623 yards and seven touchdowns, establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker capable of immediately contributing in the Tigers’ offense. Missouri has already added receivers Horatio Fields from Auburn and Caleb Goodie from Cincinnati, but with much of last year’s top receiving corps gone, Lee could fill the most significant void and become a focal point in the passing game.
While it remains unclear exactly how Simmons’ social media activity will influence Lee’s decision, the connection between the two has generated excitement among Tigers fans. If Lee chooses to join Simmons in Columbia, Missouri could secure one of the most impactful wide receiver transfers of the 2026 cycle, giving the offense a proven 5-star weapon and a leadership presence at a position in need.
With Simmons already proving to be more than just a quarterback on the field, the Tigers may have found the perfect recruiting catalyst to anchor a major offensive void and elevate the program’s roster for the upcoming season.
