The 22nd-ranked Missouri Tigers finished the regular season 9-3, with a 5-3 record in conference games, and seventh overall in the SEC. The Tigers’ passing attack took a step back in production compared to last season, primarily due to Brady Cook dealing with two separate injuries. The passing offense averaged 219.9 passing yards per game and one passing touchdown per game in 2024, compared to 262.3 and 1.8 in 2023.
Since the Tigers finished the season with over six wins during the regular season, they have qualified for a bowl game for the fourth consecutive season, but the date, specific bowl game, and opponent have yet to be decided. Since they will not compete for the College Football Playoff, many players will opt out and prepare for the draft, including their elite player on offense.
The Missouri Tigers’ elite WR has revealed his plans for 2025
Elite wide receiver Luther Burden III announced on Instagram that he will opt out of their bowl game and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
“As a kid from St. Louis, it has always been my dream to play in NFL. I am blessed to have a family and community that have helped support this dream and fuel me to put in the work in pursuit of this goal.
“From the first day I stepped onto the University of Missouri campus, I’ve been surrounded by amazing coaches, teammates, and supporters who have helped me grow, both on and off the field. The Mizzou community has embraced me, pushed me to be my best, and provided me with an environment to learn, compete, and thrive.
“To Coach Drinkwitz and the coaching staff—thank you for your unwavering belief in me, for helping me develop into the player I am today, and for giving me the opportunity to represent this great university. To my teammates—you are my brothers for life, and I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.
“To the Mizzou fans—thank you for your constant love and support.
“After careful consideration, discussions with my family, coaches, and mentors, I have decided to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“While this decision is a step toward my professional future, it is by no means the end of my relationship with Mizzou. I will always carry a piece of this university with me, and I will continue to represent Mizzou with pride as I pursue my dreams.”
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The former five-star recruit had a great career in Missouri
Luther Burden III had a great career in Missouri, ending his tenure with 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns in 38 games. Burden finished fourth in receptions, sixth in receiving yards, and T-fifth in receiving touchdowns all-time on the Tigers. If he were to play another season in Columbia and put up the numbers he did as a sophomore, he could’ve been the all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Which round is the All-American projected to go in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN projects Luther Burden III to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and considers him the 19th-best player on his draft board. Kiper also has Burden in contention and is one of the top three wide receivers, along with Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan.
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