4-star WR Donovan Olugbode commits to Missouri: ‘I’m excited about Missouri being on the rise’

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star wide receiver Donovan Olugbode took an official visit to Missouri from June 21-23. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound wideout got a good feeling about the Tigers while he was meeting with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kirby Moore and wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler. 

Both Olugbode and his family left Columbia impressed by Missouri and compared the Tigers to Florida, Oregon, USC and Washington, his other finalists. He continued to feel best about the SEC program after this, which is why he committed to Missouri over the Huskies. 

“What made Missouri different is the offense with Kirby Moore and how it showcases the receivers, along with the development at the receiver position with coach Peeler,” Olugbode told On3. “He’s doing a good job with the receivers up there right now. That’s important to me. The head coach, Eliah Drinkwitz, is a really good guy and funny. He’s a good coach that I see myself playing for.” 

Olugbode is confident about Missouri’s direction

Olugbode may return to Missouri this month and is hoping to see some games, including the Tigers’ matchup against Oklahoma on Nov. 9. The No. 12 player in Florida is originally from the Chicago area and Columbia being roughly an hour-long flight from the Windy City helped Missouri in his recruitment, as it will be easier for family and friends to come see him play.

Choosing the Tigers was a “really hard” decision for Olugbode. Yet he is confident about his decision to play for Missouri, especially since the school is coming off an 11-win season and Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. 

“I’m excited about Missouri being on the rise,” said Olugbode, the No. 89 overall prospect and No. 13 wide receiver in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “What coach Drinkwitz has up and running is definitely going to do a lot of good things this season and in the coming years. It’s great to see.” 

Missouri’s coaching staff played a key role in Olugbode choosing the Tigers

The 2023 season was a strong one for Missouri’s receivers, as Luther Burden III finished with over 1,200 yards and Theo Wease Jr. recorded nearly 700 yards. That success appealed to Olugbode. 

The four-star is confident that he will develop as a wideout under Peeler, who coached A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf while he was at Ole Miss. Peeler previously working with two of the top wide receivers in the NFL impressed Olugbode “a lot.” 

“Watching their film, game highlights and clips, I saw how much they showcase the receivers,” Olugbode said. “Kirby Moore is a receivers guy, so it’s like having an extra receivers coach on the coaching staff. That definitely is a plus.”

Drinkwitz also made a strong impression on Olugbode. He is excited to learn from the Tigers’ head man once he arrives in Columbia. 

“What I like about him is that he’s a really genuine guy and treats everybody the same way,” Olugbode said. “He’s a good head coach and I can see myself playing for him. He is a good guy and knows the right things to do. He knows the game and works both with the offense and defense.”