Report: Missouri center Connor Tollison intends to return to Tigers in 2025

Missouri redshirt junior center Connor Tollison informed Missouri’s coaching staff he plans to return next season, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Tollison was considered one of the top NFL prospects this season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Missouri’s 30-23 win over Oklahoma earlier this month.

Tollison has started 34 games for the Tigers. The standout offensive lineman underwent successful surgery for his injury and is now actively recovering. In ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest NFL draft Big Board, he listed Tollison as the No. 5 available center.

Now, Tollison has made it clear he has no intentions of moving on from Missouri this offseason. Tollison was a member of the 2024 preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the country’s top center. He’ll work this offseason to earn a similar honor ahead of next season.

While Missouri was undoubtedly delighted to hear Connor Tollison’s decision, it can’t fix any of the Tigers’ immediate issues. Missouri is 8-3 this season and presumed to be out of the race for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Despite the Tigers’ gloomy postseason outlook, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz discussed his happiness with his team following their 39-20 win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

“It’s a testament to that team and their character, the captains, the resiliency that they have, the belief they have in each other, the belief they have in the staff,” Drinkwtiz said. “They love the game and they love each other. If you love those two things, like you can weather just about any storm and really proud of them. They don’t ever flinch, man. 

“I was really nervous, because I felt like these last two games have been just emotionally draining on our team, and I was really nervous about how much resolve and energy we would be able to have on the road. And it was kind of like exactly what I was thinking, the first quarter with the offense, but when the defense made the play, man, just kind of lifted everybody, and we were rolling again.”