Missouri freshman offensive tackle Johnnie “DJ” Jones received a heart transplant Wednesday night, Oct. 7, and is recovering, coach Eli Drinkwitz announced Thursday, Oct. 8. Drinkwitz said the surgery went well and thanked the medical team, donor and donor family.
The update came two days after Drinkwitz told reporters Jones was hospitalized in Jacksonville, Florida, and needed a transplant. Missouri’s staff had learned the previous week that his condition required one.
The heart issue was first detected during freshman intake testing over the summer, Drinkwitz said. Missouri’s medical staff monitored Jones for two weeks in Columbia. When the issue remained unresolved, the team sought a second opinion at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Doctors there found a more serious heart problem.
By Tuesday, Oct. 6, Jones was receiving care at Mayo Clinic and awaiting a donor heart. The transplant took place Wednesday night. In his Thursday update, Drinkwitz said Jones was recovering, but did not provide a medical prognosis, discharge date or further details about his condition.
Jones, 18, is from Venice, Florida, and joined Missouri as a four-star recruit in the 2026 class. He plays offensive tackle. The announcement did not include a timetable for his return to football or address his playing future.
The public timeline runs from a finding during routine intake testing to specialist care, transplant listing and surgery. For now, the team has confirmed the procedure went well and that Jones is recovering. Drinkwitz asked for continued support for Jones, his family, the donor family and his caregivers.
