One of the best receivers to come through Columbia in recent memory appears to be on the move, as sophomore Dominic Lovett’s decision to seek a transfer from Missouri leaked on Nov. 27, two days after the Tigers' 29-27 Black Friday victory over Arkansas.
The former four-star from East St. Louis burst onto the scene this season after playing rotational snaps as a freshman. Lovett’s 846 receiving yards were fourth among all SEC pass catchers in 2022 and the most of any Missouri player since J’Mon Moore gained 1082 in 2017. Unfortunately, with no Missouri sports betting, local fans couldn't wager on Lovett during his time in Columbia.
With his enticing blend of production, separation skills, sure-handedness and scheme versatility, Lovett already has garnered plenty of interest in the portal, including from some of college football’s biggest brands.
The 2nd team All-SECer should have his pick of situation, but which ones have the most appeal?
BetMissouri.com broke it down with odds on Lovett’s most likely next home.
Odds on Dominic Lovett's Landing Spot
Volunteers, Coach Prime Among Favorites To Land Lovett
Given the smoke around the reasons he is looking to transfer, Tennessee (+370) sticks out as the best offensive fit for Lovett among the teams routinely linked to him. The Volunteers finished third nationally in passing offense this season under Josh Heupel’s wide open scheme, and the program could lose their top four receivers depending on how draft decisions transpire.
If Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt chooses to move on to the next level, Lovett would be a natural replacement in his role.
New head coach Deion Sanders has put Colorado (+485) in position to land impact talent, but it's his offensive coordinator choice that makes the Buffaloes a particularly interesting option for Lovett. Sean Lewis left his own head coaching gig at Kent State to orchestrate his up-tempo attack under Sanders.
The system can produce huge numbers with the proper personnel, and Lovett could immediately slot in as Shedeur Sanders' favorite target as Lewis and Coach Prime look to revitalize Colorado’s anemic offense.
Rumors have come out that Lovett contemplated a move to LSU (also +485) last offseason, and while they continue to come up in discussions about him, the fit does not make as much sense here.
With Malik Nabers a true sophomore this year like Lovett and Kayshon Boutte planning to spurn the NFL for a return to Baton Rouge, the Tigers' top two receivers will be back in 2023, making it harder for Lovett to get the targets he desires.
Alabama Also In the Mix
Alabama (+900) presents an interesting dynamic for Lovett. The Crimson Tide spread the ball around in the passing game this season, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs leading the team in receptions with 42, but the offense has proven to be excellent at showcasing elite receivers over the past decade.
Alabama’s top two players by receiving yards, Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton, are set to come back next year, but neither emerged as a true go to option. The Crimson Tide have also seen a chunk of their receiver depth hit the portal, so Lovett might feel there is an opportunity to break through here.
As another team in search of receiver depth, Texas (+1595) anticipates actively hunting pass catchers on the transfer market.
Leading receiver Xavier Worthy will be a junior next season, but No. 2 receiver Jordan Whittington might not return, and the Longhorns had no other wideout eclipse 100 total yards this season. If Whittington opts for the NFL, the chance to team up with Quinn Ewers (or Arch Manning) could be tantalizing.
Once sports betting does finally come to the state, operators like DraftKings Missouri Sportsbook are sure to be major players. In the meantime, stay close to this site for pieces such as this.
