Nothing like starting off the newest transfer class with a luxury add rather than an addition in desperate need… not that we’d know of course. Because Mizzou is certainly in desperate need of support in multiple positions.
Of those positions, cornerback might be the most pressing. The corner room in Columbia is about as empty as a post-New Years beer fridge, and Nick DeLoach, Jr., can only hold things down for so long. So on Monday, Mizzou took its first step toward restocking that room with the addition
of former Oregon cornerback Jahlil Florence.
Florence, originally from San Diego, was a Top 100 prospect coming out of high school and didn’t take long to make an impact in Eugene. Florence played in four games as a true freshman before claiming a starting role as a sophomore in 2023. Unfortunately, injuries kept him on the shelf for 2024 and 2025, and he saw his stock fall in Dan Lanning’s eyes.
If you want to get an idea of Florence at the height of his time in Oregon, check out the highlights of Oregon’s Week 7 match up against Kalen DeBoer’s Washington Huskies. Florence logged an interception in this game, but also got hit for a few big gains at the expense of Michael Penix, Jr. and his cadre of elite wide receivers.
Where He Fits
At cornerback, of course!
I kid only in part. Out of all the positions Mizzou needed to fortify this offseason, cornerback was probably the most urgent. All three starting options are gone, and the Tigers need someone – anyone! – to play there next season alongside Nick DeLoach, Jr. Florence brings Power Four starting experience with some big game snaps to boot. He’ll be in line for a starting role and slots in as the most experienced corner in Mizzou’s room, almost by default.
When He’ll Play
Immediately. Get used to hearing that because that’s what these transfers are brought in for. If he doesn’t, it means (a) Mizzou got someone better or (b) things have gone disastrously wrong.
What It Means
Mizzou needed at least three – probably four, if we’re being honest – corners at the beginning of the transfer portal’s opening. Florence makes one. Three more to go.
