COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri defensive end Williams Nwaneri will enter the transfer portal after just one season with the Tigers, a source familiar with his decision told the Post-Dispatch. Mizzou has submitted his transfer paperwork and Nwaneri’s entry into the portal is expected to be official as early as Tuesday.

Nwaneri, a five-star recruit a year ago, was the centerpiece of Mizzou’s 2024 recruiting class. As a junior from Lee’s Summit, he was rated as the top edge rusher in his class and one of the best players at any position.

But he didn’t see the field much during his freshman season. Still, Nwaneri’s departure could be a blow to the Tigers’ development plans and the future of their defense.

Recruitment service On3 first reported Nwaneri’s intention to enter the portal.

Players can still return to programs after entering the transfer portal, although this is the exception rather than the rule – precedent suggests Nwaneri is more likely to leave than stick around.

With a height of 1.80 meters and a weight of 110 kilograms, Nwaneri enrolled in Missouri as one of the most famous young players in recent history. He had the physique and athleticism to be a force at the college level, but still needs some technical refinement.

Nwaneri landed on the roster with a handful of serviceable defensive ends but still couldn’t find a regular role, even after MU lost two edge rushers to season-ending injuries. The true freshman ended up appearing in four regular-season games, the most a player can play in without burning his redshirt.

MU began the 2024 season with muted expectations for Nwaneri.

“He just needs to make sure his shoes are tied and he’s taped up so he can get going,” coach Eli Drinkwitz said at the start of preseason camp. “Everything else will work itself out.” He’s talented enough. The key for us is not to put too many expectations on him – just let him learn the standards of our daily work. If it’s his chance, he’ll take it.”

Nwaneri should be a factor in the roster Drinkwitz puts together for the 2025 season. Missouri seemed solid at the defensive end position, in part because with a year of college coaching and a few games under his belt, Nwaneri could take on a larger role — most likely not as a starter but as a contributor to the edge rusher rotation.

The Tigers expect to have players like Zion Young, Darris Smith, Eddie Kelly Jr., Jahkai Lang, Jaylen Brown, Javion Hilson and Daeden Hopkins as edge rushers next season.