Mizzou freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones is hospitalized in Florida was awaiting a heart transplant. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz told the media on Tuesday.

(Click to hear Drinkwitz :28)

But Thursday morning, Drinkwitz provided an update:

https://t.co/BYfowNC2Uz

— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) October 8, 2026

Drinkwitz said team doctors first detected a problem with Jones’ heart during his initial medical evaluation in the spring. Jones spent about two weeks under observation in Columbia before being sent to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for additional testing, where doctors found a more serious condition.

Drinkwitz said the team learned last week that Jones had been placed on the heart transplant list.

Jones is a four-star recruit from Bradenton, Florida, and was considered one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.