Missouri football made a decisive late push before the transfer portal deadline, officially adding edge rusher as the 2026 transfer window closed. The Tigers secured May in the final hours of portal activity, addressing a key defensive need and putting an exclamation point on their winter transfer haul.
CJ May transfers to Missouri from Louisville, where he spent the 2025 season in a loaded edge rusher room. While he did not appear in a game last season, his lack of snaps was more a reflection of depth than ability. Coming out of high school, May was the highest-rated recruit in Louisville’s 2025 signing class, choosing the Cardinals over a long list of national powers that included Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Tennessee.
The Tigers view May as a high-upside addition with long-term value. He brings four years of eligibility, giving Missouri flexibility to develop him while adding competition and depth to the defensive front. His size, athleticism, and recruiting pedigree make him a potential difference-maker as Missouri looks to strengthen its pass rush moving forward.
Missouri had explored multiple edge rusher options throughout the portal window, making May’s commitment particularly significant as a deadline-day win. His decision came after a same-day visit, underscoring the staff’s urgency and ability to close when the window narrowed.
With May’s addition, Missouri officially closes the 2026 transfer portal having reinforced all three phases of the roster — offense, defense, and special teams. The Tigers now turn their attention to offseason development, confident they’ve filled a critical defensive void just before the door shut.
