The Missouri Tigers will open their 2025 college football season on Thursday, Aug. 28, when they host the Central Arkansas Bears at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. With kickoff just days away, the Tigers still face several pressing questions. Who will win the quarterback battle? Who steps up to replace Luther Burden III? And can Mizzou once again rely on its defense to carry the load?
Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz made it clear that the starting quarterback job is still undecided. Beau Pribula, a transfer from Penn State, is the headline newcomer. The dual-threat QB arrived in Columbia with a reported $1.5 million NIL deal. He brings both experience and production with nine passing touchdowns, 10 rushing scores, and just one interception across three seasons with the Nittany Lions. Now he takes center stage. His ability to extend plays with his legs gives him a dynamic edge.
Photo Cred: Mizzou
Challenging Pribula is redshirt junior Sam Horn. Though limited to four appearances over the past two years, Horn has patiently waited behind Brady Cook and now has an opportunity to prove himself. His numbers — 54 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception — are modest, but his familiarity with the program could serve him well in the competition. At receiver, the departure of Luther Burden III leaves the Tigers with a glaring void.
In fact, all three starting wideouts from last season must be replaced. Leading the charge is transfer Kevin Coleman Jr., who arrives from Mississippi State after a breakout year with 932 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His precise route running and separation skills should make him a reliable No. 1 option. Joining him is junior Marquis Johnson, best remembered for his 122-yard, one-touchdown performance in last year’s Music City Bowl win over Iowa.
Tight end Brett Norfleet also looks primed for a bigger role; with 432 career receiving yards already, he gives the Tigers a versatile weapon over the middle. Defensively, Missouri is in much better shape. The Tigers return significant production up front, where their defensive line could emerge as one of the nation’s best. Edge rushers Zion Young, Darris Smith, and Georgia transfer Damon Wilson II headline a group that brings both speed and power. On the interior, returning starters and a deep rotation make the front four the heart of this defense.
Photo Cred: On3
The secondary was last year’s Achilles heel, but Drinkwitz attacked the portal aggressively. Cornerback Stephen Hall (Washington State) and safeties Jalen Catalon (UNLV) and Mose Phillips II (Virginia Tech) add experience and playmaking ability to a group that needed an overhaul. Perhaps the most exciting newcomer overall isn’t on defense, but in the backfield. Running back Ahmad Henry, who transferred from Louisiana-Monroe, was the top freshman rusher in FBS last year with 1,351 yards.
Known for his balance and toughness, Henry should fit seamlessly into offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s zone-run scheme and give Mizzou an immediate impact weapon. The pieces are there, but how quickly Missouri can bring them together will define the season. After Central Arkansas, the Tigers jump straight into a bitter rivalry showdown with Kansas — a matchup that could set the tone for everything to come. With new faces and fresh talent, Drinkwitz’s squad must find its rhythm fast if it hopes to build on last year’s success.
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