Missouri has landed a major piece in the transfer portal, securing former Ole Miss cornerback Chris Graves Jr. as the Tigers continue to reload their secondary this offseason.

With Toriano Pride Jr., Dreyden Norwood, and Stephen Hall all exhausting their eligibility, cornerback quickly became a top priority for head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff. They answered that need by adding one of the more experienced and battle-tested defensive backs available in the portal. The news was first reported by Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

Graves brings both experience and production to Columbia after spending three seasons with the Rebels. He’s coming off his most impressive performance yet on one of college football’s biggest stages. In the CFP Semifinal against Miami, Graves delivered a standout showing, recording seven solo tackles and three pass breakups, showcasing his ability to rise in high-pressure moments.

Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, Graves was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and ranked among the top 150 prospects nationally. His combination of athleticism, physicality, and SEC experience makes him an immediate contender for significant playing time in Mizzou’s revamped secondary.

Graves becomes the 25th transfer portal addition for Missouri this offseason and joins a growing cornerback group that already includes Jahlil Florence (Oregon) and Elijah Dotson (Michigan). Together, they form a transfer-heavy unit designed to keep the Tigers competitive against the SEC’s elite passing attacks.