Mizzou freshman OL hospitalized, awaiting heart transplant, Drinkwitz says

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  Mark SchlabachOct 6, 2026, 02:52 PM ET

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  • Senior college football writer
  • Author of seven books on college football
  • Graduate of the University of Georgia

Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie "DJ" Jones is hospitalized in Florida and needs a heart transplant, Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said Tuesday.

Drinkwitz said Missouri's medical staff detected an issue with Jones' heart during freshman testing this summer.

After monitoring Jones for a couple of weeks, Missouri's staff didn't find the resolution they were seeking, so they sent him to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, for further testing.

Mayo Clinic doctors discovered that Jones was suffering from a more serious issue, according to Drinkwitz.

"Last week, we found out that Johnnie is now on a heart transplant list," Drinkwitz said Tuesday, while fighting back his emotions during a news conference in Columbia, Missouri. "He's in Mayo and it's tough right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this."

Drinkwitz urged Missouri fans to pray for Jones because "he does need help in a hurry."

Jones was one of the top offensive line prospects in the country as a senior at Venice High School in Florida in 2025.

Drinkwitz referenced Jones during his post-game interview following the Tigers' 45-17 upset of then-No. 8 Florida on Saturday.

"I want to give a shoutout to Johnnie Jones," Drinkwitz said. "DJ, we love you, man. We're praying for you. We'll see you."

"I know Johnnie was watching our game," Drinkwitz said. "It's just hard. [He's] an 18-year-old with everything in front of him, and you're just not prepared for that kind of news. Our team wasn't prepared for that kind of news. We're praying for him, and I know a lot of Mizzou fans will hopefully join in that prayer because he does need help in a hurry."