Mizzou Football Bolsters Defensive Backfield With 2 Transfer Portal Additions
Over the weekend, the Missouri Tigers bolstered their secondary by adding multiple defensive backs within a 48-hour span, addressing a key area in need of improvement.
Throughout the season, Mizzou’s defense struggled against the pass, with opposing quarterbacks frequently delivering standout performances that exploited the Tigers’ secondary.
In the era of the transfer portal, college football teams can address roster gaps quickly and effectively. Mizzou proved this once again over the weekend as head coach Eli Drinkwitz secured multiple talented defensive backs to strengthen the secondary.
The first addition was Stephen Hall, a skilled junior cornerback transferring from Washington State.
Washington State starting DB Stephen Hall has signed with Missouri, @On3sports has learned. https://t.co/dgrGUHMNsa
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 4, 2025
With the offseason approaching, Mizzou is expected to bring back its top three cornerbacks from the 2024 season: Dreyden Norwood, Toriano Pride Jr., and Nicholas Deloach Jr. While Norwood and Pride each have one year of eligibility remaining, Deloach still has three. Instead of relying solely on the development of younger players, defensive coordinator Corey Batoon utilized the transfer portal to secure Stephen Hall, a proven cornerback who is ready to compete for substantial playing time in 2025.
The Tigers wasted no time strengthening their secondary further. On Sunday, UNLV defensive back Jalen Catalon announced his commitment to Mizzou.
BREAKING: UNLV standout safety Jalen Catalon has signed with Missouri, @PeteNakos_ reports.
Catalon totaled 96 tackles and 5 interceptions this season.https://t.co/kSYG7dYADj pic.twitter.com/FA36pIgb9N
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) January 5, 2025
A native of Mansfield, Texas, Catalon led the Mountain West with five interceptions in 2024, earning him recognition as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, an honor given to college football’s top defensive back.
With these two additions, Mizzou’s transfer portal class climbed to the No. 2 ranking nationally, trailing only Texas Tech.
Despite significant losses of talent, the Tigers have excelled at filling key gaps and adding experienced players to strengthen an already skilled roster.
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