Missouri point guard T.O. Barrett will remain in SEC after transfer – Columbia Daily Tribune

Missouri basketball will face its former starting point guard next season.
T.O. Barrett, who took over as Mizzou’s primary point guard in the 2025-26 season, announced Wednesday, April 22 that he has transferred to Vanderbilt. The rising junior announced his decision, which was first reported by Joe Tipton at On3, via his personal Instagram account.
Barrett appeared in 33 games for Mizzou last season, taking over for Anthony Robinson II — who has transferred to Florida State — as the Tigers’ point guard during SEC play in January. 
The Oklahoma City native and Link Academy grad averaged 8.6 points, 3.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.1 turnovers per game for the Tigers last season.
Vanderbilt is coached by Mark Byington, who has been with the program for two seasons. The Commodores reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, winning a game at the Big Dance for the first time in 2012. Vandy was ousted by Nebraska in the Round of 32.
In Mizzou’s win over Vanderbilt on Feb. 18 at Mizzou Arena last season, Barrett scored 16 points and had five assists.
Barrett has two remaining years of eligibility.
The transfer portal officially closed for new entries at the end of day on Tuesday, April 21. If a player is not currently in the portal, they can no longer enter it.
MU is set to lose five players, although that includes a couple notable caveats. Barrett (Vanderbilt) and Robinson (Florida State) have found their next college teams. Combo guard Sebastian Mack is in the portal and remains uncommitted. Jacob Crews and Jevon Porter also are in the portal, but both players will need a medical or hardship waiver from the NCAA to be eligible next season.
Mizzou has signed three players so far out of the portal, with Tennessee big man Jaylen Carey, Kansas forward Bryson Tiller and Providence wing Jamier Jones each committing to Dennis Gates’ team.
The portal is only closed for new entries, meaning Missouri can still make additions in this window.
The top priority for Gates and his staff will be filling the backcourt roles left open by Barrett and Robinson. 
Top-10 prospect and five-star freshman Jason Crowe Jr. is expected to run the point for Mizzou next season, and Jones likely will play some shooting guard for the Tigers. But, Missouri’s only other backcourt player is Aaron Rowe, who did not see any action for the team in his freshman season.
Mizzou can still add three players in the portal and remain below 15-player NCAA roster limits. At least two of those spots almost certainly will go to guards who are currently in the transfer portal.

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