Mizzou forward Trent Pierce will return for fourth season

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou men's basketball will be returning some experience for the 2026-27 season.

On Monday afternoon, forward Trent Pierce confirmed on his Instagram that he will be returning for his fourth season in Columbia. The news was first reported by On3.

The Tulsa, Oklahoma native showed just how valuable his presence was in his junior campaign, after he returned from injury for SEC action. Prior to his return to the Tigers had just lost to rival Illinois by 43 points at the end of December, but once the forward hit the court for the conference opener against Florida, things started to click. He posted 10 points in his first game back from injury, as Mizzou went on to topple the reigning national champions.

After that, Pierce went on to average 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game through 20 contests this season. However, his impact in his junior campaign was nothing new. In fact, he made a splash the second he stepped on campus, earning three starts in his rookie season. His production steadily went up from there, leading to his best numbers, yet.

The 6-foot-10 forward will be a necessary piece of experience on head coach Dennis Gates' roster for the upcoming season. At the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, the Tigers lost five out of its top nine contributors, as they were out of eligibility.

Pierce will look to lead a 2026-27 roster that's headlined by a historic recruiting class, including five-stars Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant, as well as four-star Aidan Chronnister.

Mizzou will look to make a return trip to the NCAA Tournament in Pierce's senior season and get past the First Round for the first time since the 2023-24 season.