Missouri State Football Faces Transfer Setback as All-American Tight End Lance Mason Enters Portal
For the second consecutive year, Missouri State football must navigate the loss of an elite player as tight end Lance Mason has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Mason enjoyed a standout season, earning a spot on the Stats Perform All-America third team after recording 34 receptions for 590 yards and six touchdowns last year.
Mason was anticipated to be the Bears’ leading returning receiver following the graduation of Hunter Wood. Coach Ryan Beard had expressed confidence in Mason’s role during recent spring practices, commenting on his quiet but impactful presence on the field. "It’s good to have him back again… he’s a guy who makes plays when we need him to," Beard said.
With Mason’s departure, the Bears will need to identify new playmakers. Despite this setback, the team possesses depth at the tight end position, with returning player Gary Clinton and promising talents like Jeron Askren and Jackson Kohl looking to step up. The coaching staff may also seek to bolster the roster further in the coming months.
This sudden exit mirrors the previous offseason when Missouri State lost tight end Raylen Sharpe to the transfer portal, who later joined Fresno State and is now at Arkansas under former MSU coach Bobby Petrino.
As the spring transfer window unfolds, Missouri State’s coaching staff will be tasked with finding ways to fill the void left by Mason, ensuring the team remains competitive in the upcoming season. The Bears will undoubtedly continue to focus on recruitment and development while adjusting to these unexpected roster changes.
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