Luther Burden III has called it a collegiate career, after three memorable seasons at Missouri. Burden has decided to skip the Tigers bowl game and made his announcement on Monday that he would be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
The talented wideout, one of the top prospects in the country, and St. Louis native leaves Mizzou as a household name for Tiger fans along with a legacy that will not be forgotten easily. Burden was regarded as one of the most electrifying players in the nation, with his ability to make plays after the catch. Now with his decision to not move forward with his senior season, he turns the page into a new chapter of his life.
Luther Burden III’s Collegiate Career
Burden III was a five-star recruit coming out of high school from East St. Louis when he arrived in Missouri back in 2022. As soon as he came onto the scene, his impact was felt as a pass-catcher and runner. In his three seasons as a Tiger, Burden cemented himself in the university’s record books. He finished his collegiate career with 192 receptions, 2,263 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.
Burden’s best season came in 2023 when he finished the year with 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns. That same year he also earned first-team All-SEC honors and helped to lead Mizzou to a 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State.
In 2024, Burden III did see a drop off in his on-the-field production, however, he was still one of their top receiving options throughout the season. Burden would conclude his final season with 676 receiving yards, 6 touchdown catches, and 2 rushing touchdowns. Despite dealing with an opposing defense scheme tailor-made to stop him, his presence continued to be felt whenever he was on the field for Missouri.
Burden III’s Decision to Enter the 2025 NFL Draft
After Burden III made his announcement Monday morning, he also expressed his confidence in moving forward to the next level. “I feel like this is the best time to enter the draft,” Burden said, via ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “I’m confident in myself and what I can do at the next level. I’m ready for the next step.”
Burden’s decision to opt out of the Tigers bowl game makes it clear that he has turned his attention to becoming a full-fledged professional athlete. In his collegiate career, he more than showed that he has all of the tools necessary to do so leaving Missouri fourth all-time in receptions, fifth in touchdowns, and sixth in receiving yards. Then even beyond stats, he’s leaving a legacy as a leader on and off the field, something that he hopes to continue on the next level as well.
NFL Draft Expectations
It is almost certain that Burden III will be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, what remains unclear is how high he will end up getting picked. Some analysts believe given his precise route running ability, reliable hands, and explosiveness all qualities that are in high demand in the NFL today. Along with this, Burden also has a track record of excelling in high-pressure situations, which will certainly appeal to teams that know they will be playing late into the year and need another playmaker.
Some history potentially looms for Burden if he does end up being selected in the first round as he will have the chance to become the highest-drafted wide receiver coming out of Missouri. As of today, Jeremy Maclin holds the highest-drafted position for a wideout for Missouri at 19th back in 2009.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay Wisconsin from April 24-26, and Burden’s path will include the usual training sessions, NFL Combine, and Pro Day workouts. Many eyes are surely going to be on the highly-touted receiver from St. Louis, Missouri.
Final Thoughts
Luther Burden III’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft resulted in the end of what has been a storied college career. From his commitment to excellence from day one, and transforming that into three years worth of remarkable performances. Burden’s time at Missouri will be one of the most impactful in program history.
Now, Burden moves on toward his professional career, with the football world watching to see which team will have the privilege of drafting one of the top prospects entering the draft. With his accomplishments and experiences at Mizzou having shaped him into the player and person he is today, more challenges might lie ahead, but it surely also exciting times as was his time in Missouri.
