Despite a slow start to the 2024 recruiting cycle and a current class ranking of No. 57 nationally in the On3 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings, Missouri is generating significant buzz on the recruiting trail.
The Tigers are emerging as strong contenders for Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Williams Nwaneri from Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North. Nwaneri is set to announce his commitment on August 14. Additionally, Missouri is making notable strides in recruiting Five-Star wide receiver Ryan Wingo from Saint Louis (Mo.) University, who ranks as the No. 2 recruit in Missouri.
Recently, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu predicted that Wingo would choose Missouri, shifting the momentum in the Tigers’ favor. Despite Texas and Tennessee previously being considered favorites for Wingo, Missouri’s efforts have gained traction, especially after hosting him for both an official visit in June and an unofficial visit in July.
The Tigers’ potential success in securing commitments from both Nwaneri and Wingo could mark a historic achievement. While Missouri has landed a few five-star prospects in recent years, including Luther Burden III (2022) and Dorial Green-Beckham (2014), they have never secured two five-star recruits in the same class.
Nwaneri ranks as the No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, where he holds the top spot as both the country’s No. 1 defensive lineman and the No. 1 prospect in Missouri. Meanwhile, Wingo is positioned as the No. 24 overall prospect and No. 7 wide receiver in the nation. He is expected to reveal his commitment decision on the first day of the Early Signing Period, December 20.
Photo credit – University of Missouri Athletics / MUTigers.com / Columbia, MO
