With the addition of linebacker Corey Flagg Jr., Mizzou football remains popular on the transfer portal.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — It’s almost reminiscent of a climax in a science fiction film: The unstoppable portal.
Missouri football seems to have an unstoppable momentum in acquiring the players it desires from the transfer portal. The Tigers expanded their transfer class on Thursday with the commitment of former Miami linebacker Corey Flagg Jr.
Flagg brings a wealth of experience, having participated in every game this season, registering 48 tackles and forcing one fumble. However, his playing time at Miami dwindled over the course of his tenure, transitioning from starting every game in the 2021 season as a second-year player to only two starts this year.
Standing at 6-0 and weighing 230 pounds, Flagg hails from Houston.
Upon his arrival in Columbia, Flagg will reunite with Mizzou defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Baker previously served as the Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach when Flagg committed to Miami and during the linebacker’s freshman season. In the 2020 season, Baker fielded the true freshman linebacker in eight games.
Notably, Flagg’s younger brother, Caleb, is also transferring to Mizzou as a safety. Caleb made seven starts during his freshman season at Houston Christian.
The linebacker position emerged as a critical need for Missouri in the offseason, especially with starting middle linebacker Chad Bailey, who missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, now out of eligibility. Additionally, starting weak-side linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper is expected to enter the NFL. Chuck Hicks, who stepped in for Bailey, will return for his seventh college football season next year, and reserve linebacker Triston Newson is expected to be part of the linebacker mix alongside Flagg.
In another significant move on Wednesday, MU secured a commitment from former Georgia edge rusher Darris Smith via the portal, listed as an outside linebacker. The Tigers have also addressed various positions with portal acquisitions, including highly regarded offensive lineman Cayden Green from Oklahoma, cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. from Lutheran North and East St. Louis, and former Georgia State running back Marcus Carroll.
