Is There a New Powerhouse Emerging in the SEC?
The Missouri Tigers could capitalize on an open SEC this year, with Auburn undergoing a coaching transition and Alabama battling injuries. For years, Missouri basketball has lived in the shadow of bluebloods like Kentucky and the recent SEC dominance of Auburn and Alabama, but head coach Dennis Gates may be changing that narrative. Since he arrived in Columbia, Gates has transformed a program that was once on life support into one of the most intriguing up-and-coming teams in the Southeastern Conference. When Gates first took over, Mizzou’s roster was barebones. His only key recruit to build around was Kobe Brown, a talented forward but hardly the foundation of a future powerhouse. Fast forward to today, and Gates has secured two of the highest-ranked recruits in program history—five-star Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant. Both stand as the most hyped prospects to commit to Mizzou since Michael Porter Jr. electrified Tiger fans in 2017. Gates also added a four-star sharpshooter in Aidan Chronister, giving the Tigers one of their most impressive incoming classes in decades.
The portal has also played a key role in Mizzou’s resurgence. Duke transfer Mark Mitchell brought size, athleticism, and high-level experience, while Tony Perkins added veteran leadership and scoring versatility. The balance between star recruits and proven transfers gives Gates the kind of depth that rivals any program in the SEC. On the court, Gates has already delivered moments that have energized the fan base. In 2023, he guided Missouri to its first March Madness win in over a decade, defeating Utah State in the opening round. The following season, he orchestrated one of the biggest upsets in recent memory—taking down number one-ranked Kansas in the 2024–25 season, a statement victory that reverberated well beyond Columbia.
The pieces are in place for Missouri to shed its status as an underdog and establish itself as a true contender. Gates has proven he can win in March, land top talent, and go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best. The question now isn’t whether Mizzou is on the rise—it’s whether Dennis Gates is quietly building the SEC’s next powerhouse right before our eyes. With Crowe and Bryant already committed to the Tigers, it won’t take long for another big recruit to land with Gates. Ethan Taylor, another five-star recruit, was just in Jefferson City for the Missouri vs Kansas football game. Taylor recently cut his list to five schools that included Missouri, and Taylor is just one of many names that have lined up a visit to Missouri. Gates has been on one of the hottest recruiting trails we’ve ever seen, and it won’t end soon.
