The Missouri Tigers’ tight end room is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and profound units on the roster heading into the 2025 season, boasting a potent mix of seasoned returners and impactful transfers. This versatile group is poised to significantly elevate the Mizzou offense, fulfilling the heightened expectations set by the coaching staff for their involvement in both the run and pass game.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has frequently lauded the dramatic transformation of the tight end position since his arrival, emphasizing its critical importance within the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. He highlights the increased size and overall talent within the unit, signaling a strategic shift towards leveraging these athletes more extensively across various offensive schemes.
The collective potential of this diverse tight end corps offers a multifaceted advantage to the Missouri offense. As tight ends coach Derham Cato noted, having multiple athletic targets opens up new dimensions for the running game, creating wider lanes and opportunities. Simultaneously, their presence as larger, agile targets significantly enhances the team’s capabilities in the aerial attack, providing valuable weapons in crucial down-and-distance situations.
Derham Cato’s appointment as the tight ends coach in 2024, facilitated by a recent NCAA rule change, marks a strategic move for the Tigers. Cato brings a wealth of experience, having previously held the same position at Washington and serving as an offensive coordinator, positioning him to maximize the unit’s development and on-field execution.
A centerpiece of the tight end group is Brett Norfleet, who showcased his immense talent in 2023, earning SEC All-Freshman honors with impressive receiving stats. Despite a shoulder injury derailing much of his 2024 campaign, Norfleet battled through, demonstrating resilience. Now fully healthy for 2025, the 6-foot-6, 263-pound “F” tight end is expected to be a pivotal piece, offering unparalleled versatility by moving across formations and excelling as a red-zone threat.
Complementing Norfleet’s versatility, Jordon Harris emerged as a critical contributor during Norfleet’s injury-hampered season, particularly distinguishing himself as a robust run blocker. Harris’s consistent performance and physicality have solidified his role within the unit, ensuring the Tigers maintain a strong presence in the trenches regardless of personnel. His ability to contribute both as a blocker and occasional receiver makes him an invaluable asset.
Beyond the established duo, emerging talents like Dakotah Terrell, a formidable 6-foot-8 freshman with a basketball background, represent the future depth of the tight end room. Terrell’s unique physical attributes create significant mismatches for opposing defenses, and a year of development within the collegiate system could see him rapidly ascend to a prominent role in the Missouri offense, adding another dimension of threat.
Overall, the 2025 Mizzou tight end group presents a compelling narrative of depth, versatility, and high potential. With a strong coaching influence, a returning star, a reliable veteran, and exciting young prospects, this unit is well-equipped to become a cornerstone of the Missouri Tigers’ offensive success, driving both their running game efficiency and passing attack potency throughout the upcoming season.
