COLUMBIA, MO — In one of the most jaw-dropping recruiting twists in recent college football history, the Missouri Tigers have landed the commitment of a generational talent — and literal giant — as the nation’s No. 1 high school football prospect, 7-foot-9, 410-pound two-way monster Tyrese “Tower” Simmons, flipped his commitment from a list of blue-blood programs to join Mizzou.
The seismic announcement sent shockwaves across the college football landscape. Simmons, who had long been considered a lock for either the Florida Gators or Michigan State Spartans, made his surprising decision during a televised ceremony surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches.
> “I’m bringing something new to the SEC, and I believe Missouri is ready for it,” Simmons said while donning a custom-fitted Mizzou cap. “Coach Drinkwitz believed in me first — not just for my size, but for my mind and my work ethic. I want to be part of building something historic.”
A Once-in-a-Generation Athlete
At 7-foot-9, Simmons is believed to be the tallest prospect to ever play college football, let alone dominate it. Despite his towering height and 410-pound frame, Simmons has shocked scouts with his fluidity, footwork, and athleticism. He plays both offensive tackle and defensive end — an unheard-of combination for a man of his stature — and has recorded a 4.8-second 40-yard dash and a 7-foot wingspan that disrupts entire game plans.
His high school senior season reads like a cheat code:
124 pancake blocks
19 sacks
5 forced fumbles
3 blocked field goals
2 receiving touchdowns as a surprise tight end
Analysts have compared his dominance to a mix of Orlando Pace and J.J. Watt — if they were fused into a genetically enhanced super-athlete.
Flipping the Script on Recruiting Giants
What makes this flip so shocking is that Simmons had been courted by nearly every top-tier program in the country. Florida, Michigan State, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and even defending national champion Texas all extended massive NIL packages and rolled out the red carpet.
But according to sources close to Simmons, it was Missouri’s personal touch, clear vision for his role, and academic commitment (he plans to major in engineering) that ultimately won him over.
> “This wasn’t about hype or NIL money,” said his high school coach, Derrick Weller. “Tyrese wanted a school that would challenge him and use him in creative ways. Missouri’s staff didn’t just sell him — they saw him.”
What This Means for Mizzou Football
This commitment isn’t just big for Missouri — it’s program-altering. Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has steadily rebuilt the Tigers into a rising SEC contender, but the addition of a player like Simmons signals a major shift. Missouri, long considered a mid-tier SEC team, has now won a recruiting battle against the sport’s elite.
Simmons is expected to start immediately as a true freshman in 2025, likely anchoring the left tackle position while rotating in on defense during key plays. NFL scouts are already salivating at the prospect of evaluating him as a potential No. 1 overall draft pick in 2028.
Social Media Reacts
Paul Finebaum: “This is not a drill. Mizzou just landed the tallest, most dominant high school player I’ve ever seen. Tyrese Simmons will be a household name by Week 1.”
ESPN’s College GameDay: “Forget sleeper picks — Missouri just became a serious SEC threat overnight. This changes everything.”
Fans: #TowerInTigerTown trended on Twitter within minutes, with Mizzou fans flooding social media to welcome their newest star.
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The Bottom Line
Tyrese Simmons’ flip to Missouri is more than a recruiting win — it’s a cultural moment. In an era where NIL money and brand power often dictate choices, his decision to bet on relationships, personal growth, and legacy offers a refreshing twist.
Missouri Football just got a whole lot bigger — literally and figuratively.
Welcome to Tiger Town, Tyrese Simmons. The SEC will never be the same.
