ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit delivered a firm warning to Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz, stressing that building a championship-caliber program requires more than chasing high-profile recruits or transfer portal stars.
Herbstreit pointed to recent examples from programs like Miami, Ole Miss, and Indiana, showing that rapid success is possible—but only when teams combine talent with culture, structure, and a clear identity. He warned that Missouri must avoid relying solely on star ratings and short-term roster moves if it hopes to take the next step nationally.
“You can’t just chase five-star players and hope to get here,” Herbstreit said, via On3 Sports. “You have to build a team. You have to find players who want to be part of what you’re creating. … Use the portal if you need it, but it’s about building a roster with identity and balance.”
Missouri has been aggressive in recruiting and the transfer portal as Drinkwitz works to elevate the Tigers in the SEC. Herbstreit cautioned that talent without cohesion or discipline can stall progress, a pattern he says has become increasingly common in modern college football.
Programs like Indiana, Miami, and Ole Miss demonstrate that fast turnarounds are possible—but only when leadership, culture, and accountability are prioritized alongside talent. Herbstreit’s message serves as a warning that if Mizzou wants sustained success, the Tigers must focus on building a complete team, not just winning recruiting battles.
