Mizzou Puts on a Show in NFL Draft
The Missouri Tigers made a significant statement over the NFL Draft weekend, with six players selected and at least two more signing undrafted free agent deals, showcasing the program's ability to develop professional talent. The impressive showing was highlighted by a flurry of picks on day two, solidifying Mizzou's best draft class in recent memory. The six selections tie the program's most in the seven-round era, matching the classes of 2009, 2015, and 2024.
The action for the Tigers started in the second round when defensive end Zion Young was selected 45th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, followed immediately by linebacker Josiah Trotter going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at pick 46. The trend continued in the third round, with defensive tackle Chris McClellan heading to the Green Bay Packers (77th overall) and offensive lineman Keagen Trost being selected by the Los Angeles Rams (93rd overall). The four Tigers taken in the top 100 picks matched a school record set in 2009.
On the final day of the draft, wide receiver Kevin Coleman, Jr. was picked in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins, and cornerback Toriano Pride, Jr. was taken in the seventh round by the Buffalo Bills. Following the draft, defensive back Drey Norwood signed with the Rams, defensive back Daylan Carnell joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, and defensive lineman Stephen Hall agreed to a deal with the Houston Texans, bringing the total number of Mizzou alumni heading to NFL camps to at least nine.
QUICK HITS
Texas Baseball Wins Thriller: The No. 4 Texas Longhorns secured a crucial SEC series win on the road, outlasting Vanderbilt 4-3 in a 10-inning marathon. Freshman pitcher Sam Cozart earned the victory after a tense final frame where he stranded the potential tying and winning runs in scoring position. The winning run was scored in the top of the 10th when Temo Becerra drew a bases-loaded walk.
Hawthorne Duo at Kentucky: Kentucky basketball officially added Zyon Hawthorne, a 6-foot-2 combo guard and the younger brother of Wildcat Braydon Hawthorne. Zyon, who averaged 11.2 points and 7.0 assists as a senior at Huntington Prep, spoke about the opportunity to play for his childhood team alongside his brother. Aware of the team's depth, Hawthorne is focused on development, stating, “I’m aware that there’s probably no minutes for me my first year, but I work very hard, and I feel like one day, I’ll be able to carve out some minutes for myself.”
Arkansas Favorites for 5-Star: On the recruiting trail, Arkansas is the heavy favorite to land a commitment from Miikka Muurinen, a 6-foot-10, 5-star power forward from Serbia. A recruiting expert has logged a prediction for the Razorbacks ahead of Muurinen's scheduled announcement on Monday morning. Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina were also heavily involved in the recruitment of the skilled international prospect, who is ranked as the No. 9 power forward in the 2026 class.
Lady Vols Force Rubber Match: In a top-10 softball showdown, the No. 8 Tennessee Lady Vols defeated the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide 2-0 on Sunday. Junior pitcher Sage Mardjetko was dominant in the circle, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning to even the series. The victory snapped a losing streak for the Lady Vols and sets up a decisive series finale on Monday in Knoxville.
PORTAL WATCH
There has been no significant transfer portal activity to report across the SEC in the last 12 hours.
RECRUITING BUZZ
Missouri football picked up a commitment from three-star in-state linebacker Caleb Green from Lee’s Summit North. Green chose the Tigers over offers from Iowa State and UCF, among others.
GAMES TO WATCH
- No. 3 Alabama at No. 8 Tennessee (Softball): The Crimson Tide and Lady Vols will face off in a series-deciding rubber match in Knoxville. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch and will be broadcast on SEC Network.