Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers have made an intriguing and promising addition to their defensive roster, securing the services of CJ May, a talented player from the Louisville Cardinals, through the NCAA transfer portal. This move has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as May brings with him a combination of versatility, skill, and potential that could significantly bolster Missouri’s defense in the upcoming seasons.
CJ May officially announced his commitment to the Missouri Tigers on Friday, according to On3 insider Hayes Fawcett. This acquisition is particularly noteworthy because May, who hails from Highland Home, Alabama, will have four years of eligibility remaining following his departure from Louisville. His decision to transfer highlights a growing trend in college football where players seek opportunities that better align with their personal development and playing aspirations. For Missouri, landing a player of May’s caliber is a strong signal that the program is attracting high-level talent capable of making an immediate impact.
Looking back at his recruitment, CJ May was a highly regarded prospect coming out of high school. He earned a four-star rating and received a 90 score on 247Sports, reflecting both his athletic ability and potential at the collegiate level. Among his peers in Alabama, May ranked 16th overall, which is impressive given the competitive talent pool in the state. Additionally, he was evaluated as the 34th-best player at his position nationwide, further demonstrating the level of skill and promise he brings to Missouri’s roster.
May’s path to Missouri included entering the transfer portal last week, during which he was listed as the 102nd player at his position and the 932nd overall in the 2025 class. These rankings highlight that while he may not have been the top-rated transfer nationally, he possesses the skill set and football IQ that can translate effectively to the Tigers’ defensive schemes. Such players often develop into key contributors, particularly when given the right coaching and system fit, making this acquisition strategically valuable for Eli Drinkwitz and his staff.
From a technical perspective, CJ May’s playing style and abilities have been praised by recruiting analysts. Cooper Petagna of 247Sports highlighted May as a “versatile pass rush specialist” capable of excelling both on and off the linebacker positions. Petagna noted that May shows flashes of developing into a highly productive edge presence at the collegiate level. While he possesses slight hip stiffness when running laterally, May demonstrates the ability to bend the edge and penetrate efficiently between the lines, making him a dangerous player for opposing offenses.
Petagna also commented on May’s approach to physicality and technique. He noted that May displays an impressive ability to engage and move opponents off the line of scrimmage, using his hands effectively and with minimal wasted motion. In addition, he exhibits above-average play speed when operating in open space and demonstrates proactive pass-rushing ability, though he is still working toward achieving consistent impact on every down. Importantly, May shows a willingness to engage physically in block destruction and appears to possess adequate play strength at the point of attack, both of which are essential traits for a successful defensive contributor at the collegiate level.
For Missouri, this addition represents a significant boost to their defensive roster. The Tigers have been working to maintain and elevate the competitiveness of their program under head coach Eli Drinkwitz. With May joining the team, the Tigers gain a versatile defender capable of contributing in multiple roles, potentially allowing Missouri to deploy him in different schemes and packages depending on game situations. Such flexibility is a valuable asset, particularly in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC), where the ability to adapt and respond to diverse offensive strategies can be the difference between winning and losing key matchups.
Eli Drinkwitz, who has now completed six seasons as the head coach of the Missouri Tigers, has overseen a period of relative stability and success for the program. Since taking over in 2020, Drinkwitz has compiled a record of 46-29, reflecting his ability to keep the team competitive year after year. A hallmark of his tenure has been consistent bowl eligibility; every season under Drinkwitz has seen the Tigers participate in a postseason bowl game, demonstrating both consistency and resilience in a conference known for its competitive rigor.
The Tigers’ most recent seasons have included impressive milestones, particularly in 2023 and 2024, when Missouri achieved back-to-back seasons with 10 or more wins. These achievements underscored Drinkwitz’s ability to develop talent, execute effective game plans, and compete against some of the nation’s best programs. While the 2025 season saw a slight step back, with the team finishing 8-5 overall and 4-4 in SEC play, the Tigers remained competitive in a challenging conference. They concluded the season in eighth place, ahead of teams like the Tennessee Volunteers and LSU Tigers, yet trailing behind programs such as the Vanderbilt Commodores and Oklahoma Sooners. This performance reflects the high level of competition in the SEC and highlights the areas in which Missouri is aiming to improve, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
CJ May’s arrival for the 2026 season could be a key factor in Missouri’s efforts to regain momentum and build on the success of previous seasons. His versatility and skill set provide the coaching staff with more options for defensive schemes and in-game adjustments. Whether contributing as a linebacker, an edge rusher, or in other capacities, May’s presence is expected to enhance the Tigers’ ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, disrupt running plays, and create turnovers—all crucial elements for competing at the highest level in the SEC.
Moreover, May’s addition to the team reflects a broader strategy by Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri coaching staff to actively leverage the transfer portal as a means of strengthening the roster. In modern college football, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for programs seeking immediate impact players who can address specific positional needs or gaps. By securing CJ May, Missouri demonstrates a proactive approach to recruiting and roster management, ensuring that the program remains competitive and capable of developing both incoming freshmen and experienced transfers.
From the perspective of player development, May’s move to Missouri provides him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents and refine his skills under a new coaching staff. The Tigers have a track record of developing defensive players and helping them maximize their potential, which could serve as a springboard for May to achieve new levels of performance. This mutually beneficial arrangement—where the player gains a platform for growth and the program gains a talented contributor—illustrates the dynamic nature of college football recruiting and transfers in the modern era.
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As Missouri prepares for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how CJ May integrates into the team’s defensive schemes. His ability to adapt to new responsibilities, learn the nuances of a different system, and maintain a high level of performance will be crucial in determining the overall impact of this transfer. Given his previous accomplishments and evaluations by recruiting analysts, there is reason for optimism among fans and coaches that May will make a meaningful contribution, particularly in games where the Tigers need a versatile and reliable defensive presence.
In conclusion, Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers’ acquisition of CJ May from the Louisville Cardinals is a strategic and promising move for the program. May brings with him a wealth of talent, versatility, and potential, which could play a pivotal role in enhancing Missouri’s defense for the 2026 season and beyond. His high school pedigree as a four-star recruit, combined with his collegiate experience and proven abilities, makes him a valuable addition to the roster.
For Drinkwitz, this pickup not only strengthens the team’s immediate defensive capabilities but also underscores the program’s ongoing commitment to leveraging all avenues, including the transfer portal, to maintain competitiveness in one of college football’s most challenging conferences. As the Tigers gear up for another season, the presence of a player like CJ May offers hope and excitement for fans eager to see Missouri reclaim its position among the SEC’s elite teams.
