Mizzou OL DJ Jones received a new heart, per Eli Drinkwitz
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz announced this morning that freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones underwent a successful heart transplant on Wednesday night. According to Drinkwitz, Jones is now beginning the process of recovery.
“We are incredibly grateful for the medical team who cared for DJ and for the donor and donor family whose extraordinary gift made this possible. Please keep DK, his family, the donor family, and his caregivers in your prayers as he begins the recovery process,” Drinkwitz posted to social media Thursday morning.
Drinkwitz first revealed that Jones needed a heart transplant on Tuesday. Mizzou noticed a heart issue while doing its freshman intake, prompting Jones to receive a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Doctors noticed a more serious issue and Jones was placed on the transplant list last week.
Jones is a former 4-star recruit and signed with the Tigers over Florida State, Ole Miss and others. He was one of the highest-rated prospects the Tigers signed, considered a top 175 player in the 2026 cycle by both 247Sports and Rivals.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
