Smith brings the Tigers to 10 confirmed roster players
New Mizzou women’s hoops coach Kellie Harper sent out a pair of bat signals earlier this week, leaving fans antsy for an announcement. The first was finally announced, as Purdue guard Jayla Smith committed to the Tigers on the evening of Tuesday, April 29.
NEWS: Jayla Smith (Purdue transfer) has committed to Missouri. pic.twitter.com/B989bAw9GG
— E J (@EJayArrow) April 30, 2025
Smith brings a wealth of college basketball experience to Columbia, playing in 92 games as a Boilermaker. Her best season came during 2022-23, averaging 7.8 points and 2.1 rebounds. The 6-foot guard has found production almost exclusively off the bench, starting only five games across her full four seasons at Purdue.
Smith was expected to finish her career last season, but suffered an injury after playing two games. She is not the first Mizzou player faced with these issues, as other current players who have suffered major injuries include Averi Kroenke, Ma’Riya Vincent and Sydney Mains.
Below is a video of Smith’s defensive prowess, which she showcased in a game against Iowa.
Smith has a recorded a career-high 16 points on two separate occasions; first in her freshman year against Nebraska, then as a sophomore against Iowa. She was a highly touted recruit out of high school as the No. 42 player in the nation and No. 13 guard en route to winning the 2021 Indiana Miss Basketball award.
Smith will likely serve as a consistent bench piece and part of the rotation, spending her final year filling in a spot on the wing and providing well-deserved rest for someone like Grace Slaughter. The guard depth continues to shape up nicely for Mizzou, now sitting at seven total listed on the roster. Smith also serves as a leader for the team, as one of only three seniors on the Tigers’ roster.
With this commit, there now remains five open spots on the roster (four if you count the other bat signal).
