Missouri Coach Says Freshman Lineman Placed on Heart Transplant List

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz announced on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, that 18-year-old true freshman offensive lineman Johnnie "DJ" Jones is on a heart transplant list at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. A heart issue was detected in summer freshman intake. After about two weeks of monitoring without the resolution the medical team wanted, Missouri sent Jones to Mayo, where doctors found a much more significant issue. The program learned of the transplant listing last week. Drinkwitz closed his Tuesday news conference emotionally, saying the team was not prepared for news about an 18-year-old with everything in front of him, that thoughts and prayers are with Jones and his family, and that fans should join in prayer because he needs help in a hurry. He said, "We're pulling for you, buddy." On Oct. 3, during Missouri's 45-17 win over Florida, Drinkwitz told ESPN's Kris Budden: "DJ, we love you, man. We're praying for you. We'll see you." Jones, from Bradenton, Florida, and a Venice High School graduate, was a four-star recruit.