Mizzou football and head coach Eli Drinkwitz have made it clear that standing still is not an option. With expectations rising and the College Football Playoff now expanded, the Tigers are aggressively using the transfer portal as a key tool to elevate the roster and position themselves as a legitimate postseason contender heading into next season. Rather than relying solely on high school recruiting, Missouri has taken a calculated approach by targeting experienced, proven college players who can contribute immediately, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Over the past week, that strategy has been especially evident in the secondary. Missouri has focused on strengthening its defensive backfield, a unit that plays a critical role in competing against the elite offenses found across the SEC. The Tigers took an important step in that direction earlier when they secured a commitment from former Michigan defensive back Elijah Dotson, adding both depth and experience to the group. That move alone signaled that Drinkwitz and his staff were serious about shoring up the back end of the defense.
On Tuesday, Missouri doubled down on that plan by landing another major addition: former Ole Miss defensive back Chris Graves. Graves, who will join the Tigers for the 2026 season, brings with him starting experience from one of the most successful programs in the country over the past year. His arrival further reinforces Missouri’s intention to not only remain competitive defensively, but to take another step forward as it pursues a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Graves spent three seasons at Ole Miss, steadily working his way into a larger role within the Rebels’ defense. While he was a rotational player early in his career, his development culminated in a breakout 2025 season. That year, Graves emerged as a key contributor for an Ole Miss team that made a deep run into the College Football Playoff, ultimately reaching the semifinals. His increased responsibilities reflected both his growth as a player and the trust the coaching staff placed in him.
During the 2025 season, Graves started nine games, frequently lining up against some of the top wide receivers in college football. He finished the year with 33 total tackles, consistently showing the ability to make plays in both coverage and run support. While his statistics may not jump off the page at first glance, they reflect the type of steady, reliable presence that coaches value in the secondary—someone who can do his job, limit big plays, and help anchor the defense.
Over the course of his career at Ole Miss, Graves accumulated 61 total tackles, defended seven passes, and forced two fumbles. Those numbers illustrate his versatility and physicality, traits that are essential for defensive backs in the SEC. Whether breaking up passes downfield or stepping up to make tackles in open space, Graves demonstrated an ability to impact games in multiple ways.
Before his college career began, Graves was already highly regarded as a recruit. Coming out of high school in the 2022 class, he was rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports Composite rankings and ranked as the No. 125 overall player in the nation. His combination of athleticism, size, and instincts made him one of the more sought-after defensive backs in his class.
Graves initially signed with Miami, beginning his college journey in the ACC. However, after one season, he entered the transfer portal and found a new home at Ole Miss in 2023. That move proved to be a pivotal one, allowing him to develop within a competitive SEC program and eventually earn a starting role on a team that competed on the national stage.
Now, with his decision to transfer once again, Graves will bring that experience to Columbia. For Missouri, adding a player who has already played meaningful snaps in high-pressure playoff environments is invaluable. Experience in big games is something that cannot be taught, and it often becomes the difference when margins are razor thin late in the season.
The Tigers’ emphasis on the secondary is no accident. In today’s college football landscape, defenses are constantly challenged by high-tempo offenses and explosive passing attacks. Having depth, flexibility, and veteran leadership in the defensive backfield is essential, especially in the SEC, where teams regularly face elite quarterbacks and wide receiver groups.
Missouri’s defense was already among the better units in college football last season, earning praise for its physicality, discipline, and consistency. The Tigers routinely limited opposing offenses and kept the team competitive in high-leverage games. Rather than being complacent, Drinkwitz and his staff have chosen to build on that foundation by adding experienced transfers who can maintain—or even raise—the standard.
The additions of Dotson and Graves give Missouri more options and more competition within the secondary. That competition often leads to improvement across the board, as players push each other in practice and depth becomes a strength rather than a concern. Over the course of a long SEC season, depth can be the difference between surviving injuries and seeing performance drop off late in the year.
Beyond the immediate on-field impact, moves like this reflect the broader vision Drinkwitz has for the program. Missouri is no longer content with simply being bowl-eligible or finishing in the middle of the conference standings. The goal is clear: compete for championships, earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, and consistently be mentioned among the nation’s top teams.
The expanded CFP format has only intensified that ambition. With more spots available, programs like Missouri have a realistic path to the postseason if they can put together a complete roster and sustain success throughout the season. Strengthening the defense—particularly the secondary—is a crucial part of that equation.
Graves’ commitment also highlights how Missouri is becoming an attractive destination for transfers. Players are increasingly looking for programs that offer strong development, national exposure, and a chance to compete at the highest level. Missouri’s recent success and upward trajectory under Drinkwitz have helped position the Tigers as a viable landing spot for experienced players seeking their next opportunity.
As the offseason continues, Missouri may not be finished in the transfer portal. However, the recent additions already suggest that the Tigers are approaching roster building with intention and precision. Rather than chasing headlines, they are targeting players who fit their system and address specific needs.
Heading into the upcoming season, expectations around the program continue to rise. With a defense that was already strong and is now bolstered by experienced transfers, Missouri appears well-positioned to remain one of the more balanced teams in college football. If the offense can complement that defensive performance, the Tigers could find themselves firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Ultimately, the addition of Chris Graves is more than just another transfer pickup. It represents Missouri’s commitment to sustained success, strategic roster management, and a belief that the program is ready to take the next step on the national stage. As the Tigers prepare for the future, moves like this suggest they are building not just for relevance, but for real contention.
