Missouri continues its rebuild as the transfer portal narrows down with the wide receiver room being a clear point of emphasis for Tigers’ coach Eli Drinkwitz. The team added a fourth receiver to its depleted room in Minnesota wideout Kenric Lanier.
Lanier joins Florida WR Naeshaun Montgomery, Cincinatti WR Caleb Goodie and Auburn WR Horatio Fields as the new pass catchers for Mizzou in 2026.
The announcement came on Jan. 16 with the Tigers confirming it a day later.
Lanier, following two seasons in Minnesota, will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Tigers. This past season, the receiver appeared in eight games and he finished with three receptions for 79 yards. Lanier was a four star recruit out of high school and was originally committed to Vanderbilt before flipping to Minnesota on Dec. 19, 2022.
Following departures from key players in the receiver room like Kevin Coleman Jr., Joshua Manning and Marquis Johnson, it makes a lot of sense that this was a place of interest for the Missouri in the portal. Aside from the four pieces the Tigers have added in this cycle, It’ll also be adding freshman receivers Jabari Brady and Devyon Hill-Lomax who could bring a change of pace to the room even this upcoming season.
For more information on all the portal information, click here.
Despite having two years in college, we get a larger sample size looking at Lanier’s high school tape. He’s a go-get-it type of receiver that can also get yards after the catch and he looked like the clear top option on his high school team. He had some impressive contested catches but it clearly hasn’t fully translated over to college play yet. We’ve seen players be just a team away from showing their true potential and if that’s the case with Lanier, he’s got some major skill to show off.
Where He Fits
I’d expect Lanier to be a rotational guy unless some big breakout happens during the offseason. He had a minimal role with Minnesota — although he was overshadowed by some solid guys — but he’ll have a lot to prove joining an SEC team. I’d expect him to play on the outside and give the Tigers a defensive threat that the opponents will have to keep an eye on.
When He Plays
Right Away. Even though he might not be a top talent, with a couple years left of eligibility, he’ll want to get right into the action. Just because he will see the field right away doesn’t mean I think he will be a starter, but depth is of the essence after the departures in the receiver room this offseason. Aside from Donovan Olugbode and maybe Shaun Terry II, the Tigers are going to need some new faces to help out in the passing game.
What It Means
Any addition to the receiver corps is a good addition following the departures of the Tigers. That being said, Lanier included, none of the receivers so far have screamed “Top Option”. Adding depth is important in the receiver room after losing so much of it, but Mizzou still hasn’t grabbed a top option from the portal receivers.
