The former Husker starter will have one year of eligibility remaining.

It’s not talked about in the same vein as the quarterback or the secondary, but an area of critical need for Missouri this offseason is in the middle of the defense.

With Corey Flagg, Jr., Triston Newson and Chuck Hicks all exhausting their eligibility, the Tigers needed to add some high-end depth to a room that still features Khalil Jacobs and plenty of promising youngsters who contributed heavily during the 2024 season. The transfer portal has been good to Eli Drinkwitz when it comes to getting linebackers, and the announced addition of Mikai Gbayor should continue that trend in 2025.

Gbayor started every game for the Huskers in the 2024 season, totalling 49 tackles, three defended passes and a sack. He was highly sought after in the portal, giving Missouri its second defensive addition of the window.

Get to know: Mikai Gbayor

Hometown: Irvington, NJ

Previous School: Nebraska

Position: LB

Ht/Wt: 6’2”, 230 lbs

247Composite Ranking: 3-star, 88

On3 Ranking: 3-star, 90.60

Rivals Ranking: 3-star, 5.7