From Nebraska to Faurot: Missouri’s Tallest Recruitment Shake‑Up
OMAHA → COLUMBIA, Mo. — Larry Brown said scouting was a science. But at Missouri, Eli Drinkwitz and his staff turned recruiting into a revolution, reloading the tight-end room with massive targets—one 6’6″ commitment at a time.
Their latest masterstroke? Isaac Jensen, a lanky, athletic tight end from Millard South High (Omaha), who announced his commitment to Mizzou on June 9, 2025, after battling heavyweight offers from Florida State, Texas A&M, and Nebraska .
Here’s a deep dive into what this elite flip means—for Isaac, for Mizzou, and for the future of the tight end position in Columbia.
1. The Big Fish in Omaha
Jensen wasn’t just another target—he was the top TE in Nebraska and a 3-star national prospect, ringing in at 6’6″ and 225–230 lbs, with 36 catches, 593 yards, and nine touchdowns during his junior year .
He held over 18 Division‑I offers, including Florida State, Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Auburn —but Mizzou’s blend of size-potential and developmental culture ultimately sold him.
2. The Official Visit That Sealed It
Jensen’s official weekend in early June featured:
Full staff access, including Drinkwitz and TE coach Derham Cato
Time with redshirt TE Jude James, cementing the locker‑room connection
A vibe check on Faurot Field, campus, and Columbia life.
According to Jensen:
> “I just fit in with their culture and their plan for me is going to set me up for success” .
That’s not PR fluff—that’s the moment where a recruit sees his blueprint to SEC impact—realized on Missouri’s terms.
⚖️ 3. Why Missouri’s Blueprint Needs Tall Tight Ends
Drinkwitz’s staff targeted size and flexibility in the 2026 class:
Gavin Sidwar – 6’3″ QB
Jabari Brady – 6’2″ WR
Keenan Harris – 6’1″ LB
Isaac Jensen – tallest of the bunch at 6’6″
They didn’t just want numbers on film—they wanted new body types to match their evolving offense. Fans at Rock M Nation noted Missouri’s “love of tall tight ends,” and Jensen confirms that trend is now more than theory—it’s architecture .
4. Blocking or Receiving? The Path Ahead
Jensen profiles as a pass-catching tight end—great hands, track‑like receiving patterns, frame to become a mismatch nightmare. As Sports Illustrated pointed out, expect his blocking to develop over time—but his upside is in the red zone, seam routes, and contested catches .
With TE coach Derham Cato’s track record of nurturing talent, Missouri’s plan is clear: elevate Jensen’s blocking while golden-casting his receiving craft. Jensen said:
> “He really gets after them, but he gets after them in a positive way” .
That’s the blueprint for next-level tight ends in Columbia.
️ 5. Snatching a Nebraska Foothold from the Huskers
Landing Jensen wasn’t just another recruit—it was a territorial win. Nebraska was in heavy pursuit, then Mizzou swooped in on home turf and flipped the board .
Rock M Nation explained it best:
> “Mizzou snatches another priority recruit out from under the Huskers’ nose” .
This isn’t just building a class—it’s expanding pipeline reach, flipping regional momentum right into rival territory.
6. What Jensen Means for the Team
For Mizzou:
Reinforces the tight end position after Brett Norfleet’s departure
Sends a message to the 2026 class: Missouri values size-meets-skill
Strengthens ties throughout Nebraska and large Midwest talent pools
For JENSEN:
Earns full coaching investment during the summer
Has a clear path to early playing time and leadership in his position room
Joins a veteran support system, from quarterbacks to tight ends already in Columbia
7. The Bigger Picture in Class Strategy
With Jensen locking in at TE, Missouri’s 2026 board now reads:
Position Player Stars
QB Gavin Sidwar 4★
LB Keenan Harris 4★
WR Jabari Brady 4★
TE Isaac Jensen 3★
Their focus remains quality over quantity, with plans for a second tight end (e.g., Kevin Sullivan visiting June 20–22) to build competition and depth .
8. A Recruiting Culture That Works
This isn’t happenstance—it’s honed preparedness. Missouri staff:
Conducted Jensen’s in-home visits months ago
Hosted unofficial visits (like November for the Oklahoma game) and spring Junior Day
Showed consistency, culture, and relationship-first recruiting—traits Jensen and his family recognized .
This is the hallmark of elite recruiting: strategy, follow-up, connection.
9. What to Watch Next
Jensen’s enrollment and offseason weight/strength gains
The arrival of another tight end by June 22
Development updates—from camps to spring boards—to monitor his early transition
How Jensen’s recruitment influences other Nebraska recruits—especially at WR and OL
Final Take: A New Tall Blueprint
This commitment isn’t just another line in Tiger lore—it resembles a targeted revolution. Mizzou is building a bigger, bold offense, and casting recruits like Jensen signals that future.
Missouri hasn’t just joined the tall-tight-end trend—it’s leading it.
“Recruiting Reset?” No way—this is the new standard.
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