Missouri OL Johnnie Jones Hospitalized, Needs Heart Transplant After Undergoing Medical Testing

Missouri freshman offensive lineman Johnnie "DJ" Jones has been hospitalized in Florida after undergoing tests that revealed his need for a heart transplant, head football coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters Tuesday.

Drinkwitz said team doctors first discovered a health issue after Jones joined the team this summer.

According to Drinkwitz, Jones was under observation for two weeks with his team before he was diagnosed with a "much more significant issue" by the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He remains there now, Drinkwitz said.

"Last week, we found out that Johnny's now on a heart transplant list... It's tough right now," Drinkwitz said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this."

Jones, 18, joined Mizzou out of Venice High School in Venice, Florida.

A 4-star prospect, Jones capped his high school career as a starting left tackle for a team that reached the championship game in its division.

After an earlier pledge to join UCLA, Jones headlined Mizzou's early signing day last December as 247Sports' No. 11 offensive tackle in the incoming 2026 class.

Drinkwitz first mentioned sending prayers to Jones in his on-field postgame interview following Mizzou's Saturday win over visiting Florida.

The coach said Tuesday he knew "Johnnie was watching our game."

"It's just hard—18-year-old with everything in front of him, and you're just not prepared for that kind of news," Drinkwitz said Tuesday. "Our team wasn't prepared for that kind of news.

"But 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. We're pulling for you, buddy."

Jones has not appeared in a game this season for the Tigers, who are next scheduled for a Saturday home game against Texas A&M.