ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Luther Burden III's time at Missouri has come to an end.
According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Burden told Thamel that he will skip Mizzou's upcoming bowl game and he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Burden III is one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, with ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently ranking Burden III's inside his top-20.
Burden III posted a message on Instagram, thanking Mizzou fans for his time in Columbia, Missouri and the fans "constant love and support."
"From the first day I stepped on the University of Missouri campus, I've been surrounded by amazing coaches, teammates, and supporters who have helped me grow, both on and off the field," said Burden III on Instagram. "The Mizzou community has embraced me, pushed me to my best and provided me with the environment to learn compete and thrive."
"While this decision is a step towards my professional future, it is by no means the end of my relationship with Mizzou. I will always carry a piece of this university with me, and I will continue to represent Mizzou with pride as I pursue my dreams."
Burden III, who played high school football at East St. Louis High School, committed to Mizzou over the likes of Oklahoma and Alabama in October 2021, and became one of Mizzou's most highly touted recruits ever, with Burden III only ranked behind Dorial Green-Beckham among Mizzou's all-time commits, according to 247 Sports.
Burden III played three years at Mizzou, amassing 2,263 yards on 192 receptions, rushed for 234 yards on 34 attempts and reached the end zone 25 times.
Burden III proved to be an integral piece to the Tigers during the 2023 season, where he caught 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in his sophomore season, helping Mizzou create a magical 2023 season which saw them reach the 88th Cotton Bowl Classic and defeat Ohio State.
Burden III is arguably one of, if not, the top receiving prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft alongside Colorado dual-threat player Travis Hunter and Arizona receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Barring a surprise, Burden III will hear his name pretty early in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Burden III having been projected a first rounder since he stepped foot on campus at Columbia, Missouri.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26, 2025, with Green Bay, Wisconsin, set to host the event.