Missouri Tigers Stun College Football World: Nation’s No. 1 American Overall Best Player Recruit Luther Burden Chooses Missouri Over Tennessee and Georgia…
In a landmark moment for Missouri football, five-star wide receiver Luther Burden III committed to the Tigers in October 2021, choosing them over powerhouse programs Georgia and Alabama . This decision marked a significant victory for head coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Mizzou program, as Burden was the nation’s top-ranked wide receiver and the No. 8 overall recruit in the 2022 class .
Burden, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound standout from East St. Louis High School in Illinois, initially committed to Oklahoma but decommitted in August 2021. He then narrowed his choices to Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri, ultimately selecting the Tigers after official visits to all three schools .
His commitment was a pivotal moment for Missouri, signaling the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent. Burden’s decision also inspired other recruits, contributing to a strong 2022 class that included several ESPN 300 commitments .
During his time at Missouri, Burden lived up to the hype, earning two First-Team All-SEC selections in 2023 and 2024 . He concluded his college career with 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns . His performance helped elevate the Tigers’ program, culminating in an 11-2 season and a Cotton Bowl victory in 2023 .
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Burden was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 39th overall pick in the second round . His journey from a high-profile recruit to a professional athlete underscores the impact of his decision to join Missouri and the program’s upward trajectory.
