Recruiting Reset: CJ May brings blue chip talent back to the edge
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Mizzou football dipped back into the transfer portal to add upside and long-term potential to its defensive front with the commitment of CJ May, a former four-star edge rusher who comes to Columbia from Louisville.
May redshirted during his lone season with the Cardinals, meaning he arrives at Mizzou with four years of eligibility. While his college resumé is still a blank slate statistically, his recruiting profile and physical tools make him one of the more intriguing developmental additions of the Tigers’ portal cycle. May was regarded as a blue-chip prospect coming out of high school and originally committed to Notre Dame in 2023 before ultimately signing with Louisville before last season.
Where he fits
At 6-4, 236 pounds, May fits the mold of a prototypical pass-rushing defensive end in Mizzou’s scheme. He’ll need to add strength to consistently hold up against SEC offensive tackles, but the foundation is already there. May brings the kind of speed and bend off the edge that can’t be coached, allowing him to threaten quarterbacks by simply getting around the corner. Early on, he profiles as a situational edge defender who can focus on getting after the passer while he develops the rest of his game.
When he’ll play
It remains unclear whether May will be ready to compete immediately for significant defensive snaps, especially given the jump from a redshirt year in the ACC to SEC competition. More likely, he’ll begin his Mizzou career developing behind veteran contributors and filling a role as a backup defensive end early on. That said, his athleticism gives him a chance to earn spot opportunities if his development accelerates, particularly in pass-rushing situations.
What it means
May’s commitment underscores a clear theme in Mizzou’s portal approach this year: stockpiling talented players with multiple years of eligibility. The Tigers have lost several young, highly regarded defenders to the portal over the past year, and May represents a direct attempt to replenish that pipeline. He’s a blue chipper replacing other blue chippers, even if the payoff may not come immediately.
For Mizzou, the hope is that May sticks around long enough to grow into his frame, refine his technique and eventually translate his recruiting pedigree into on-field production. If he does, this could end up being one of those quieter portal additions that looks much bigger a few years down the road.
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