Eli Drinkwitz acknowledges ‘complete whiff’ not pursuing Texas A&M star out of high school
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Eli Drinkwitz is familiar with what Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell can do.
Howell, from Kansas City, Mo., started his college career at Bowling Green and became one of the top linemen in the MAC. He was a 3rd-team all-conference selection after posting 9.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss.
After 3 years, the SEC came calling. Howell transferred to Texas A&M, where he recorded 4.0 sacks and 8.5 TFLs. His 2025 season, though, has been his best yet, as his 9.5 sacks through 8 games are tied for 3rd in the country.
A look at Howell’s recruiting profile at 247Sports shows that he had 11 offers in high school. But, despite playing 2 hours down I-70 in KCMO, none of those offers were from Drinkwitz and Mizzou.
Since hindsight is 20/20, there’s definitely regret on the part of Eli Drinkwitz. According to PowerMizzou, the Tigers’ head coach called it a “complete whiff on me” for not making more of an effort to land Howell.
Mizzou enters Week 12’s game against the Aggies at 6-2. The Tigers can provide a massive boost to their College Football Playoff hopes by handing the Aggies their first loss of the season.
If they lose, though — especially if Howell has a major impact — Drinkwitz will be feeling even more regret than he does now.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
