University of Missouri

Another transfer portal loss for Mizzou football, but Tigers have visitors on campus

Mizzou football lost another player to the transfer portal Thursday.

Running back Austyn Dendy announced that he was entering the portal in an X/Twitter post.

“I’ve decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining,” Dendy wrote. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and relationships I’ve built at the University of Missouri, and I’ll always appreciate the memories and support from my teammates, coaches and the fans.”

The former three-star prospect only played two snaps in his tenure with the Tigers, competing in their 51-0 shutout of Murray State on Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium.

Dendy was originally a safety when he committed to MU out of Pine Bluff High School in Arkansas, but was shifted to RB before the 2024 campaign.

The 6-foot, 217-pound freshman marks Mizzou’s seventh scholarship loss to the spring transfer portal, joining quarterback Drew Pyne, edge rusher Jahkai Lang, defensive back Ja’Marion Wayne, linebacker Mikai Gbayor, center Talan Chandler and defensive end Eddie Kelly Jr.

TE Gavin Hoffman visits Mizzou

Iowa transfer tight end Gavin Hoffman reportedly visited Mizzou on Thursday, according to PowerMizzou.

The freshman’s visit comes after he announced his departure from the Hawkeyes to the transfer portal April 3.

Hoffman did not play in a single game for the Hawkeyes last season and has four years of eligibility remaining. The 6-5, 270-pound Leawood product is the cousin of former Mizzou women’s basketball players Sophie and Lindsey Cunningham.

Hoffman’s agent, Alexander Essex, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the trip to Columbia is the only visit he currently has planned.

WR Xavier Loyd arrives for Mizzou visit

Another portal player to reportedly visit Missouri this week is Illinois State transfer wide receiver Xavier Loyd, who arrived in Columbia on Thursday night, according to PowerMizzou.

The 6-2, 195-pound junior recorded 66 receptions for 912 yards and six touchdowns last season for the Redbirds and announced that he was entering the transfer portal Tuesday.

Loyd, a Blue Springs product, transferred to Illinois State from Kansas State last offseason, where he tallied only one reception for 16 yards.

Copyright 2025 Columbia Missourian

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