Nov 11, 2023; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (7) runs the ball against Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jourdan Thomas (25) during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Ranking Mizzou's Biggest Transfer Portal Steals - The Extra Point

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Joey Van Zummeren | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:46 AM ET

Watch the video below as Missouri football reporter Joey Van Zummeren gives his thoughts on the three biggest transfer portal steals over the years by Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers.

Welcome to Missouri Tigers On SI's "Extra Point," a video series featuring the site's Missouri beat writers. Multiple times a week, the writers provide analysis on a topic concerning the Tigers or the landscape of college sports.

A key part to the Missouri Tigers' resurgence has been Eli Drinkwitz's ability to land top-rated talent in the portal.

But, what has been just as important is Drinkwitz and Co.'s ability to find less-proven players in the portal and develop them into starters and/or stars. Just because production is the top trait to look for in portal players as opposed to potential, it doesn't mean development stops once a player finds a new home.

Being able to strike this balance of expensive, top of the market players and raw prospects through the portal is becoming increasingly more critical to success in college athletics. Funding has become a massive separator for competition, but having a coaching staff that can develop talent can be just as significant.

So far, Drinkwitz's staff has been able to find this balance, with multiple key players for the program being lower-rated portal prospects.