One month ago today, it was reported that Williams Nwaneri — former five-star recruit and prize of the 2024 high school recruiting class — was leaving Missouri after just one season. It was a shock that hit Mizzou’s fanbase just days into the portal window, portending ill tidings for the Christmas season.
Things got... maybe not easier from there, but Tiger fans certainly had more to celebrate. Despite losing Nwaneri and a few other promising young players to the portal, Mizzou’s staff also recovered to put together one of the best football transfer classes in the nation, landing up-and-coming stars like Ahmad Hardy and Josiah Trotter, while also adding proven veterans like Jalen Catalon and Kevin Coleman.