Less than two days after Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters that freshman offensive lineman Johnnie “DJ” Jones needed a heart transplant, the Venice, Florida, product has received one.
Drinkwitz announced Thursday morning that Jones underwent transplant surgery Wednesday night at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and that the operation went well. Jones is now recovering with his family.
“I have a great update to share on DJ,” Drinkwitz said in a statement posted to social media. “Last night, DJ received his heart transplant and his surgery went well. He is now recovering.”
“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,” he added. “Please continue to keep DJ, his family, the donor family and his caregivers in your prayers as he begins the recovery process. We are so thankful for the incredible prayers and support from the entire Mizzou family. We will continue to update you when we can.”
The turnaround was swift. Missouri’s medical staff first flagged a heart issue during routine freshman testing when Jones arrived on campus this summer. After about two weeks of observation without the answers the staff wanted, he was sent to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for a second opinion. Doctors there found a much more significant problem, and Jones was placed on the transplant list last week.
Drinkwitz disclosed the situation publicly for the first time on Tuesday, fighting through emotion as he asked fans to pray. He said an 18-year-old with everything in front of him needed help in a hurry. By Wednesday night, a donor heart was available.
Jones, a 6-foot-6 offensive tackle, was the highest-rated player in Missouri’s 2026 signing class and a four-star prospect who chose the Tigers over a long list of major offers. His college career has not started the way anyone in Columbia expected. Football is no longer the immediate concern. Recovery is.
A support fund has been set up to help Jones and his family with costs tied to an extended hospital stay. Early donations have already come in, alongside messages from Mizzou fans and from across college football.
The program’s ask has not changed, even with better news. Prayers are still requested for Jones, for the people caring for him, and for the donor family whose loss made Wednesday night possible.
