The Missouri Tigers football program has been rocked by the unexpected departure of offensive tackle, a key contributor over the last two seasons. Richardson, who recently entered the transfer portal, has committed to the Colorado Buffaloes, leaving a notable gap in Missouri’s offensive line just as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Jayven Richardson, listed at 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, had been a steady presence for Missouri, demonstrating strong technique and discipline despite mostly serving in a reserve role. Over 197 offensive snaps in 2025, he avoided penalties and showed the kind of reliability that made him a highly sought-after lineman on the transfer market.
The transfer drew attention from several other Power Five programs, including Arkansas, Baylor, and Houston, highlighting Richardson’s value and potential impact at the next program. His move to Colorado also comes amidst Missouri’s broader offseason roster turnover, which has included other portal entries and key departures, leaving questions about depth and continuity up front.
Prior to Missouri, Richardson developed his game at Hutchinson Community College after graduating from East Ascension High School in Louisiana, where he was highly rated as a junior college prospect. His combination of size, experience, and versatility made him an attractive addition for any program looking to immediately strengthen its offensive line.
Missouri now faces the challenge of filling the void left by Richardson while maintaining competitiveness on the trenches. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff will likely turn to younger players and incoming transfers to stabilize the line ahead of spring practices.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Richardson is expected to compete immediately for playing time at Colorado, where the Buffaloes aim to bolster protection for their quarterback and reinforce a pass-heavy offensive scheme. Missouri’s loss underscores the high stakes of the modern transfer portal, where sudden roster changes can reshape programs virtually overnight.