Luther Burden III Declares for NFL Draft, Leaves Legacy at Missouri
Missouri Tigers fans, it’s official: Luther Burden III, the electric wide receiver who has been a cornerstone of the program for the past three seasons, is heading to the NFL. Burden announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft in an exclusive interview with ESPN, marking the end of a remarkable college career that has left an indelible mark on Mizzou football.
“I feel like this is the best time to enter the draft,” Burden told ESPN. “I’m confident in myself and what I can do at the next level. I’m ready for the next step.”
Burden’s decision, while not surprising, is bittersweet for Missouri fans. The star wideout will not participate in the Tigers’ upcoming bowl game, opting instead to begin preparations for the NFL Draft. His departure comes on the heels of Missouri’s 9-3 season, capped off with a Senior Day victory over Arkansas. Burden, who walked during Senior Day festivities, leaves the program as one of its most productive players and a transformative figure in recruiting.
A Career to Remember
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how much Burden accomplished during his time in Columbia. In three seasons, he climbed the ranks of Missouri’s all-time greats, finishing:
- No. 6 in career receiving yards (2,263)
- Tied for No. 5 in receiving touchdowns (21)
- No. 4 in receptions (192)
And that’s not all. Burden’s 1,212 receiving yards in 2023 rank as the third-highest single-season total in program history. He also tallied 26 total touchdowns during his career—21 receiving, four rushing, and one on special teams. Talk about versatility!
Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz has often compared Burden’s playing style to that of San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel. At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Burden’s combination of speed, strength, and playmaking ability has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. It’s no wonder ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has him ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver in the upcoming draft.
A Transformative Recruit
Burden’s impact on Missouri football goes beyond the stat sheet. As the No. 5 overall player in ESPN’s 2022 recruiting rankings, his decision to choose Missouri over powerhouse programs like Alabama and Georgia was a game-changer. It sent a message to other top recruits that Mizzou could compete with the big boys, and it helped elevate the program to new heights. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have gone 20-5, a testament to the talent and leadership Burden brought to the team.
“The ultimate goal was to come here and make a difference,” Burden said. “I feel like I met my goal with everything that I set out before I got here. It was a pleasure being here. I will love Mizzou forever.”
Burden also expressed gratitude to his position coach, Jacob Peeler, and head coach Drinkwitz for their support and guidance throughout his college career. “Every day wasn’t sunshine and rainbows; there were tough times,” he said. “I’m grateful for [Coach Peeler] sticking by my side and pushing me.”
Looking Ahead to the NFL
As Burden prepares for the next chapter of his football journey, he’s already generating buzz among NFL scouts and analysts. He’s projected as Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 19 overall player in the 2025 NFL Draft and is widely considered one of the top three wide receivers in the class, alongside Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.
Burden is confident he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. “They’re getting a person who can obviously change the whole program for the better,” he said. “And they’re getting the best playmaker in the country.”
For Missouri fans, it’s hard to say goodbye to a player who has meant so much to the program. But as Burden himself put it, “We’re just getting started.” The NFL is about to find out what Mizzou fans have known for years: Luther Burden III is a game-changer.
As he takes his talents to the pros, Burden leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and hope for the future of Missouri football. His story is a reminder that you don’t have to go to a traditional powerhouse to make your mark. Sometimes, being different is what makes all the difference.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
