The Mizzou Tigers have had an explosive offense all season long and one of their key players is only a freshman.
Donovan Olugbode hails from Chicago, Illinois, but spent his high school career at IMG Academy
in Florida (with a stint at Montini Catholic before the move). Out of high school he was a four star recruit who chose the Tigers over USC, Oregon, Florida, and Washington.
In RockM’s commitment post for him, he was touted as a highly talented wide receiver.
“Oftentimes wide receivers in high school will be graded on their raw athleticism or potential. That is decidedly not the case for Mr. Olugbode. At 6’1” and 200 pounds, Olugbode has a college-ready body and displays advanced strength and mobility. His route tree, while not college-level, is better than most freshman wide receivers, and his steady hands make him an excellent target in the red zone and the middle of the field. He’s not a burner by any means, but he’s explosive off the line and should be able to outstrip anyone who loses a step on him.“
The analysis of Olugbode was spot on. He’s been an incredible target that Beau Pribula has learned to lean on in recent games.
Over the course of the season, the wide receiver has had 16 receptions for a total of 202 yards. So far, he’s scored one touchdown and averages approximately 28.86 yards per game.
In his collegiate debut against Central Arkansas, he had four receptions. Additionally, against kU he kept Mizzou in the game with a one-handed catch late in the first half on a fourth-and-10.
When it comes to conference play he’s been just as good.
Against Auburn he had a team-high 69 receiving yards and five receptions. His longest play of the night was on a 27-yard catch and run that brought Mizzou to the 3-yard line with time winding down. On the next play, Ahmad Hardy ran into the endzone to tie the game at 17-17. Without Olugbode, this game could’ve ended differently.
After the game, Hardy had high praise for him.
“He’s the man,” Hardy said regarding Olugbode. “He’s 18 years old, but hey, when we need him, when we call on him, he comes through.”
It’s also not just against Auburn that Olugbode has shined, he’s just become a more consistent target.
The wide receiver was a key component of how the Tigers stayed close with the Crimson Tide two weeks ago. Olugbode set up a first-and-goal with an amazing 27-yard catch that set up a subsequent touchdown from the freshman. The two key plays brought Mizzou within three of Alabama with under two minutes left in the game. While the game didn’t end with a win, it was a preview of his skill.
With College Gameday and Vanderbilt on the horizon, how will the protege continue to display his greatness?
Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz said in his press conference on Tuesday that he will continue to be capable in highly contested scenarios.
“I think he’s just got really good ball skills,” said Drinkwitz. “He is a natural hand catcher and so he has great hand-eye coordination. And he’s a very good route runner. He does a really good job re-stemming, creating separation at the top of his routes. And then Beau has a lot of confidence in who he is as a pass catcher and so he’s unafraid to give him opportunites.”
As of late, Mizzou’s success on third down has begun to decrease, something Vanderbilt will look to exploit. However, with the trust of Pribula, I see the wide receiver being a highly coveted and trusted outlet to push the offense down the field.
If Olugbode continues to impress this weekend the future of the position may be set.
“Something to Prove” has been a motto of this team since 2023. The team reaches week two on the road with something to prove against Vanderbilt, College Gameday, and betting odds opposing them. Beau Pribula looks to prove that his confidence and abilities have strengthened over the last two weeks. Donovan Olugbode looks to prove that he may be one of the best freshman in the conference.
It’s a game that you won’t want to miss.
