Looking to add some depth to the program’s special teams unit, Missouri found just that by searching the roster of an SEC East rival.

Former Kentucky kicker and punter Grant McKinniss announced on Friday he will be finishing his college playing career in Columbia. Missouri’s punting job is currently up for grabs following the offseason departure of Tucker McCann.

McKinniss will be eligible immediately at Mizzou as a graduate transfer. Kentucky returns punter Max Duffy, who some have rated as a preseason All-American heading into the 2020 season.

“The memories I have made with my teammates and coaches over the past four years are something that I will cherish forever,” McKinniss said. “I am grateful for the opportunities that the University of Kentucky has given me, and I wish them the best moving forward.

“With that being said, I am excited to announce that I will be playing my final year of football at the University of Missouri. I am looking forward to this next chapter and what the future holds.”

Last season, McKinniss handled Kentucky’s kickoff duties and had 48 touchbacks on 67 attempts. During his freshman season back in 2016, McKinniss was Kentucky’s starting punter and was honored as a nominee for the Ray Guy Award — an honor given annually to the nation’s top punter.

Should Mizzou need a holder next season, McKinniss also has experience there as he served as Kentucky’s holder in 2019.