It would be different if the Tigers were getting their numbers up late in the recruiting trail with low-end three star recruits just to fill numbers. But that’s not what’s happening. In the past month, Mizzou has added its top four recruits according to 247Sports and On3, and have shown no signs of slowing down.
The list consists of JJ Bush and Terry Hodges, who committed a day apart from each other in early October, Johnnie Jones, who is the Tigers highest rated recruit, and now Tajh Overton.
Overton
becomes Mizzou’s highest rated defensive player and ranks as a top 30 defensive lineman in the country in the Class of 2026. The Owasso, Oklahoma, product was originally committed to Oklahoma State, but flipped his commitment following a visit to Columbia on Oct. 11. He announced the news just six days after his visit.
This was more massive news for the Tigers, who have completely turned around their recruiting trail this season.
Overton joins 20 other Tigers as Mizzou’s 2026 recruiting class is officially turn around. The Tigers’ class was ranked outside of the top 80 in 247Sport’s team rankings and is now ranked 27th with the new additions. He joins Demarcus Johnson as the second defensive lineman to join the class.
“I think my skillset definitely sets me apart. I’m not overly big, I’m not overly athletic,” the 6’3, 275 lbs. lineman said to a local Oklahoma reporter. “The things I execute, I execute well I would say.”
While he’s not the biggest guy on the field, man does he hit hard. Overton came into the season as the highest rated player in Oklahoma and it is obvious why. In just his first three games of his senior season, Overton is everywhere. He claims he’s not ‘overly athletic’ but he has some serious speed and strength. There were numerous occasions where he was chasing down quarterbacks or running backs and making big plays. He should be a solid force for the Tigers down the line.
Where He Fits
Overton shouldn’t have a hard time fitting in on the defensive line at Mizzou. He’s a top rated recruit for a reason and I think he will slot in on the edge in either the DE position or Mizzou’s JACK role. These are the spots of Zion Young and Damon Wilson right now — who will both be gone next season. He should bring some energy to Memorial Stadium with a few sacks down the line.
When He Plays
I’d expect Overton to be an instant impact player for the Tigers. Being Mizzou’s highest rated defensive recruit, I think his dominance will transfer over to the college level. Being the top rated recruit in the state of Oklahoma is not an easy task. He’ll likely be competing for snaps with Nate Johnson, Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen, who are all entering their final year of eligibility next season. That being said, there are two starters on the edge and if Overton is good enough, I think Drinkwitz will play him a lot his freshman season.
What It Means
This is Mizzou’s second biggest addition behind Johnnie Jones, and biggest defensive add so far. This is big news for the Tigers and I’d expect Overton to be a name you hear for a while. That being said, with how crazy the transfer portal is now, he could have a shorter stay in Columbia than expected. Either way, big news and it is a big deal for Drinkwitz and company that the flips keep coming in.
