Illinois State transfer wide receiver and Blue Springs native Xavier Loyd is the latest portal addition for the Mizzou Football program.
Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers have landed their second transfer portal addition in the spring window from an FCS program. They have addressed the wide receiver position with a significant commitment.
Portal Season! Another addition to the Brotherhood! #MIZ pic.twitter.com/Bsz9SapLhM
— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) April 19, 2025
Xavier Loyd, a wide receiver transfer from Illinois State has committed to Mizzou. The news was first reported by Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.
Former Illinois State standout wide receiver Xavier Loyd has signed with Missouri, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.
The 6-foot-2 Loyd, who began his career at Kansas State, posted 66 catches, 912 yards and six TDs last year.https://t.co/10Sz3YwNKg pic.twitter.com/KQiZPS9jzm
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2025
Loyd, a Blue Springs native started his career at Kansas State where he spent two seasons with the Wildcats.
Last season with Illinois State, Loyd had 66 receptions for six touchdowns and 912 yards — eclipsing 100+ receiving yards in two games while being named Missouri Valley Football Newcomer of the Week twice last year.
For the second time this year, Xavier Loyd is the @ValleyFootball Newcomer of the Week! pic.twitter.com/lkRwTWWad5
— Illinois State Football (@RedbirdFB) November 18, 2024
Loyd was also named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team and landed Honorable Mention team selections.
Congrats to our trio of @ValleyFootball All-Newcomer Team selections‼️ pic.twitter.com/vuiNX5Qkud
— Illinois State Football (@RedbirdFB) December 3, 2024
Props to our 6️⃣ @ValleyFootball Honorable Mention team selections: @AmirAbdullah52, @Ryan_Gudaitis_, @XavierLoyd, @WrightWenkers, @TommyRitt and @JGuedet‼️ pic.twitter.com/yYPQmpIbFy
— Illinois State Football (@RedbirdFB) December 2, 2024
In the first round of the FCS Championship, Loyd had six receptions for one touchdown and 59 yards in a 35-27 win over Southeast Missouri.
Fresh off of his visit to Missouri, Mizzou was able to beat out plenty of notable programs for Loyd’s services.
All schools that have contacted Illinois State Portal WR Xavier Loyd ( @XavierLoyd ) since entering the portal.
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Xavier Loyd is a 6’2 (195 LBS) WR out of Blue Springs, MO. Previously played at Kansas State, Xavier Loyd transferred to Illinois State in 2023 and had a big season… pic.twitter.com/Z3wwZVpLUX— Steezo (@SteezoDsgn) April 18, 2025
With one year of eligibility remaining, Loyd joins a stacked wide receiver room Kevin Coleman Jr., Joshua Manning, Marquis Johnson, and others.
Visit RockM+ for more coverage on Loyd’s commitment.
Get to know: Xavier Loyd
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
High School: Blue Springs
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht/Wt: 6’1, 191 lbs
247Composite Ranking: Three-Star, 87
On3 Ranking: Three-Star, 82.00
Rivals Ranking: N/A
Total announced offers: 28
Offers to note: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Louisville, Florida State, NC State, West Virginia
Hung on to it! What a catch for @XavierLoyd and @RedbirdFB pic.twitter.com/LQboGZahRF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024
Loyd has the talent here to make some big time plays at the SEC level. His experience and a homecoming should fit in nicely at the wide receiver position.
What they’re saying:
Illinois State WR Xavier Loyd has signed with Missouri, @On3sports has learned.
Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Louisville were also in mix. Posted 66 receptions for 912 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy pic.twitter.com/iEWNJW7ZD2
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 19, 2025