Linebacker Mikai Gbayor, who joined the Missouri Tigers just three months ago after transferring from Nebraska, intends to enter the transfer portal, according to sources from Powermizzou.com.
Gbayor’s decision comes after he spent the previous three seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His arrival in Columbia in December was initially seen as a significant addition to the Tigers’ defense, especially considering his starting experience at Nebraska.
It was widely expected that Gbayor would immediately compete for a starting role at WILL linebacker, alongside West Virginia transfer and reigning Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, Josiah Trotter. However, the dynamics of the linebacker group have shifted, particularly with the NCAA granting a blanket waiver for Triston Newson’s 2025 season.
During a recent press conference, Mizzou head coach Eliah Drinkwitz praised the linebacker group’s performance, highlighting the strong showing of second-year players Nic Rodriguez and Jeremiah Beasley. Drinkwitz even noted that Rodriguez had the best camp of any defensive player. Both Rodriguez and Beasley saw significant playing time in 2024, with Rodriguez recording 17 tackles in 11 games and Beasley contributing eight tackles in 12 games.
Mizzou’s linebacker depth also includes the return of Khalil Jacobs from a season-ending injury, as well as Brian Huff and highly-rated freshmen Dante McClellan and Jason King.
Given the depth at the linebacker position, Mizzou may not need to seek a direct replacement for Gbayor in the transfer portal. Drinkwitz has indicated that he anticipates up to eight players to enter the portal during the spring window, which runs from April 16-25. Gbayor will be the fourth player to enter, following Drew Pyne, Jahkai Lang, and Ja’Marion Wayne.