LB Jason King commits to Missouri: ‘They can compete and win a national title’

It came down to Missouri and Kansas State for Saint Louis (Mo.) DeSmet three-star linebacker Jason King. Yet the Tigers were “always” his top program. 

After speaking with his family and coaches late last week, King followed up on that feeling and decided to commit to Missouri. He officially announced his decision on Saturday.

“They were expressing to me the importance of being able to build something at home,” King told On3. “They said I could build something special at Missouri and help put together a special class that can really change the trajectory of the program forever.” 

The chance to play for Missouri ‘means everything’ to King

Being able to play for his in-state school “means everything” to the 6-foot-1, 210-pound recruit. It is even more special for King because he has wanted to play college football since he was a young kid. 

When deciding where to take his talents, King wanted to go to a program that competes for national championships and plays on the top level of the sport. The No. 14 player in Missouri believes the Tigers check both of those boxes. 

“One of the biggest reasons why I chose Missouri is because of the relationships I have with the coaches,” said King, On3’s No. 85 linebacker in the 2025 class. “They are an in-state school and I will be able to stay close to home playing for them. I like the trajectory of the program and the way that I fit in the defense. It’s a really good fit for me and it’s a place where I can really excel.” 

King believes Missouri can win a national championship

Missouri’s 2023 campaign made a massive impression on King. It included 11 wins and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. 

Following that successful season, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach D.J. Smith let King know that they needed prospects from Missouri “to really believe in them” to push the Tigers forward. The three-star is one of those players and is excited to eventually suit up for Missouri. 

“They’re climbing up and they’re going up really fast,” King said. “They can compete with a lot of the top programs. They almost beat Georgia and they beat Ohio State at the end of the year.

“You can see where your program is when you match up with a lot of the top teams and Mizzou showed that they belong with the top teams in the country and that they can compete and beat those top teams in the country. Especially with the 12-team playoff coming, they proved that they can compete and win a national title.”