For an offensive line losing two starters to graduation as well as and multiple depth pieces behind them to the transfer portal, the need to dive head first into the portal to rebuild the unit must have been top of mind for Eli Drinkwitz and o-line coach Brandon Jones. Just three days into the open portal, the coaching staff made their first o-line addition:
The Tigers coaching staff first struck gold early in the portal process as former Mississippi State
Bulldog Luke Work signed on to move to Columbia next season. While not the only linemen they’ve added (or need to continue to add,) Work should play a valuable role rebuilding the depth of the unit.
At 6-6, 315 pounds, Work is a unit and will enter the 2026 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining. He saw the field early and often for the Bulldogs in his career, playing in 22 games in two years, and starting 14. While not an elite recruit out of high school, the former three star from Memphis was able find his way onto the field in the SEC early and often. So where does Work fit onto the roster at Mizzou? Let’s take a look:
Where he fits
Wherever they need him. The value that Luke Work brings to the roster is his versatility. In his 22-game career, Work has started at both left and right tackle as well as filled in at various times at both guard spots. His ability to play just about anywhere on the line makes him an incredible value for the Tigers. Even if he doesn’t earn a starting spot immediately, he’ll definitely be on the two-deep at more than one position, meaning he’ll be able to fill in at a moment’s notice just about anywhere if there is an injury. Based on his size, Work probably fits better as a tackle, as 6’6 is pretty tall for a guard when you’re quarterback is trying to see over the line, but his ability to play four of the five positions means he will fit in just about anywhere.
When he’ll play
Work will definitely see the field immediately for the Tigers. Whether or not he earns an official starting spot remains to be seen, but his versatility and SEC experience means he’ll be hard to keep off the field. If he doesn’t earn a starting spot in 2026, he’ll at least contribute on special teams as well as a potential sixth lineman on jumbo short yardage packages, which is something Drinkwitz has been known to do in the past. Since it’s incredibly hard to go through a whole season without any injuries on the offensive line, chances are Work will see time as a starter at some point as a backup if not as an outright starter himself.
What it means
The Tigers have been in desperate need of bodies along the offensive line as they lose two starters to graduation of last year’s unit as well as multiple transfers among their backups. Bringing in Work goes a long way in helping shore up the unit since his versatility and experience will allow him to fit in wherever they might need. While Work hasn’t yet performed at an elite level, he still has two years of eligibility to improve and Brandon Jones has been known to find diamonds in the rough (see Keagan Trost). Adding Luke to the roster is certainly a start, but Drinkwitz and company still have some Work to do in that area. As the immortal bards Blackstreet and Dr. Dre once wrote:
East side to the west side
Pushin’ phat rides, it’s no surprise
She got tricks in the stash, stacking up the cash
Fast when it comes to the gas
By no means average
She’s on when she’s got to have it
Baby, you’re a perfect ten, I wanna get in
Can I get down, so I can win?
I [Luke] the way you Work it. No diggity. I got to bag it up (bag it up.)
