The Morning Commute for Tuesday, December 17

Welcome to the Morning Commute

Today we’re talking about Mizzou Hoops (if you need a breather from transfer portal talk)

The latest AP Top 25 college basketball poll was released on Monday, and 13 out of the 16 teams in the SEC are either ranked or have received votes.

That includes Missouri — who sits three spots outside the Top 25 behind Mississippi State and Arkansas.

At 9-1, Mizzou has won nine in a row after their season opening loss at Memphis highlighted of course by the Border War win over kU last Sunday.

It’s a big week for the Tigers — which starts tonight vs a solid mid-major opponent in Jacksonville State from the Conference USA. 6:30 p.m. CST tip-off at Mizzou Arena.

On Sunday, it’s Braggin’ Rights vs Illinois in St. Louis — a noon tip on ESPN. Andy Katz ranks Mizzou vs Illinois as the top game of the week.

It will be another Quad 1 non-conference opportunity before league play. Of course, rankings don’t necessarily matter in December, but it would be nice for Mizzou to have a number next to their name heading into that SEC gauntlet.

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Yesterday at Rock M and Rock M+

• Morning Commute from Josh Matejka: Who’s ready for more portal madness??

“Mizzou was active with visits this weekend, so we anticipate some names to come off the board (ideally for the good guys) this week.”

Not one, not two, but three additions via the transfer portal for Mizzou on Monday.

• From Dan Keegan: What does Mizzou need from the Transfer Portal?

“Linebacker is Mizzou’s biggest need other than quarterback …… My #1 wish list Transfer is Josiah Trotter from West Virginia, and he visited COMO over the weekend.”

Dan got his wish as Trotter is now a Tiger!

• From Josh Matejka: Northern Illinois transfer safety Santana Banner commits to Mizzou

• From Josh Matejka: Five takeaways from the first week of the Transfer Portal window

“There are plenty of options still available for schools needing a QB. But the Tiger staff will need to align their priorities before landing their guy — or risk upsetting the balance of the position in the future.”

Losing out on Miller Moss hurts, but Mizzou will continue their QB search in the portal.

• Recruiting Reset from Nate Edwards: Kevin Coleman is the next great Mizzou slot receiver

“It’s a local blue chip talent that finally made his way back to the hometown school. It’s another great story and another great portal win for the good guys.”

Welcome home, Kevin Coleman!

• From Josh Matejka: Nebraska transfer LB Mikai Gbayor commits to Mizzou

“Gbayor started every game for the Huskers in the 2024 season, totalling 49 tackles, three defended passes and a sack.”

Mizzou gets some Power Five experience at the linebacker position.

• Study Hall from Sam Snelling: Mizzou 88, LIU 61

“They also won their 9th game, which is more than they did all last season.”

Improvement!

• Also, from Josh Matejka (he was busy on Monday): West Virginia LB transfer Josiah Trotter commits to Mizzou

“Trotter comes to Mizzou with three years of eligibility, setting up the middle of the Tigers defense for success for the next few seasons.”

Of the three transfer portal additions on Monday, Trotter seems like the biggest get.

• From Matthew Gustafson: Mizzou Volleyball makes splash, adds Caylen Alexander in transfer portal

“Dawn Sullivan and Mizzou Volleyball wasted no time getting to work this offseason, adding Big West Player of the Year Caylen Alexander from the transfer portal four days after the team’s season ended in the NCAA Tournament.”

Football wasn’t the only program active in the transfer portal on Monday.

• Over at Rock M+: Tigers sign three from the transfer portal, A Watch Guide for this week in college hoops, An Early Lookahead to Jacksonville State, and more on the AP Poll.

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