Mizzou freshman defensive end Javion Hilson intends to enter transfer portal
Missouri will lose a former five-star freshman defensive end in back-to-back years.
Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Tuesday that Javion Hilson plans to enter the transfer portal. Hilson, who signed in the 2025 class, appeared in three games, retaining the ability to redshirt. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.
“He’s not practicing with us,” Drinkwitz said Tuesday ahead of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl later this month.
Hilson hasn’t publicly announced his decision.
The Cocoa (Fla.) product played against Central Arkansas in Week 1, Louisiana in Week 3 and Massachusetts in Week 5 for homecoming. In 36 snaps against three non-conference opponents, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound lineman totaled one assisted tackle and one quarterback hit.
Missouri edges coach Brian Early made a late run at Hilson, offering the five-star Nov. 20, 2024. Hilson officially visited for the season finale against Arkansas on Nov. 30 before committing and signing with the Tigers on Dec. 4, the opening day of the Early Signing Period for the 2025 class.
In back-to-back transfer portal cycles, Missouri suffered the loss of a five-star freshman. Class of 2024 defensive end Williams Nwaneri left the Tigers for Nebraska.
Defensive line scholarship chart:
| Player | Last season of eligibility |
| Marquis Gracial | 2026 |
| Nate Johnson | 2026 |
| Langden Kitchen | 2026 |
| Jalen Marshall | 2026 |
| Darris Smith | 2026 |
| Damon Wilson II | 2026 |
| Sam Williams | 2027 |
| Justin Bodford | 2028 |
| DeMarcus Johnson | 2028 |
| Elias Williams | 2028 |
| Jason Dowell | 2029 |
| Daeden Hopkins | 2029 |
| Tajh Overton | 2030 |