The Missouri Tigers enter the 2025 season with high expectations after consecutive double-digit win seasons, a feat only achieved twice before in program history. Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz has openly stated ambitions for an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth, fueled by a strong returning core and a top-tier transfer portal class.
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Storylines Entering the Season
- Replacing Key Offensive Production: The Tigers face the daunting task of replacing a three-year starting quarterback in Brady Cook, along with top wideouts Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. The battle for the starting quarterback job between Penn State transfer Beau Pribula and redshirt junior Sam Horn will be a major focus.
- Transfer Portal Success: Missouri landed the No. 7 transfer portal class in the country, signaling a “reload” rather than a “rebuild.” The success of these new additions, particularly at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, will be crucial.
- Defensive Continuity and Reinforcement: Despite personnel turnover in 2024, the defense performed well under new coordinator Corey Batoon. With seven starters returning and six FBS transfers joining the unit, including linebacker Josiah Trotter and safety Jalen Catalon, the Tigers aim for another top-20 defensive showing.
- Favorable Schedule (Relatively): While still in the SEC, Missouri’s 2025 schedule avoids traditional powerhouses like Georgia, Texas, LSU, and Tennessee. Key conference matchups against Alabama, Texas A&M, and South Carolina are all at home, providing a clearer path to success.
- Elevated Expectations: After recent success, the internal and external expectations for Missouri are significantly higher. The team is not shying away from discussing SEC championships and Playoff berths, which adds pressure but also potential for a historic season.
Key Players
- Beau Pribula (QB, Sr.) / Sam Horn (QB, R-Jr.): The competition for the starting quarterback role is paramount. Pribula, a Penn State transfer, brings dual-threat capabilities with significant rushing production (571 yards, 10 TDs) and a solid passing efficiency from his time at PSU. Horn, a former four-star recruit, will also vie for the spot.
- Ahmad Hardy (RB, So.): A standout transfer from ULM, Hardy is expected to be a force in the backfield after a freshman season with 1,351 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His physical running style should translate well to the SEC.
- Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR, Sr.): A transfer from Mississippi State, Coleman is poised to step into a leading receiver role. He earned All-SEC honors at his previous stop with 74 catches for 932 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024.
- Cayden Green (OG, Jr.): An experienced offensive lineman who transferred from Oklahoma, Green is a key piece of the offensive line and is expected to be one of the most talented players on the roster.
- Josiah Trotter (LB, So.): A Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year transfer from West Virginia, Trotter is a highly anticipated addition to the linebacker group and could make an immediate impact.
- Jalen Catalon (S, Sr.): A star safety transfer from UNLV, Catalon adds significant experience and playmaking ability to the secondary.
- Damon Wilson II (EDGE, Jr.): A transfer from Georgia, Wilson is among the newcomers expected to generate a much-needed pass rush for the Tigers’ defense.
Missouri Tigers Depth Chart (Projected)
Offense
- QB: Beau Pribula (Sr.) / Sam Horn (R-Jr.)
- RB: Ahmad Hardy (So.) / Jamal Roberts (Jr.) / Marquise Davis (Fr.)
- WR (X): Marquis Johnson (Sr.) / Xavier Loyd (Sr.)
- WR (Z): Joshua Manning (So.) / Ja’Marion Wayne (R-So.)
- WR (Slot): Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr.) / Daniel Blood (R-So.)
- TE: Brett Norfleet (Jr.) / Tyler Stephens (Sr.)
- LT: Keagen Trost (Sr.) / Armand Membou (Jr.)
- LG: Cayden Green (Jr.) / Logan Reichert (R-Fr.)
- C: Connor Tollison (Sr.) / Connor Hollenbeck (R-So.)
- RG: Johnny Williams IV (Sr.) / Tristan Wilson (R-So.)
- RT: Valen Erickson (Jr.) / Cam’Ron Johnson (R-So.)
Defense
- DE: Damon Wilson II (Jr.) / Joe Moore III (Sr.)
- DT: Chris McClellan (Jr.) / Jay’Vion Cole (Jr.)
- DT: Kristian Williams (Sr.) / Johnny Walker Jr. (Sr.)
- EDGE/OLB: Nyles Gaddy (Sr.) / Zion Young (Jr.)
- ILB: Josiah Trotter (So.) / Jeremiah Norfleet (R-So.)
- ILB: Triston Newson (Sr.) / Chuck Hicks (R-So.)
- CB: Daylan Carnell (Sr.) / Shamar Porter (R-So.)
- CB: Dreyden Norwood (Jr.) / Marcus Washington Jr. (R-So.)
- S: Jalen Catalon (Sr.) / Marvin Burks Jr. (Jr.)
- S: Sidney Williams (Sr.) / Phillip Roche (R-So.)
- Nickel: Tre’Vez Johnson (Sr.) / Jaren Kanak (Jr.)
Special Teams
- K: Blake Craig (Jr.)
- P: Luke Bauer (Jr.)
- KR: Marquis Johnson (Sr.)
- PR: Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr.)
Missouri Tigers Full Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | TV/Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28 (Thu) | Central Arkansas | Columbia, Mo. | 6:30 p.m. CT / SECN |
| Sep 6 (Sat) | Kansas | Columbia, Mo. | 2:30 p.m. CT / ESPN2 |
| Sep 13 (Sat) | Louisiana | Columbia, Mo. | 3 p.m. CT / SECN+/ESPN+ |
| Sep 20 (Sat) | South Carolina | Columbia, Mo. | Flex Window |
| Sep 27 (Sat) | UMass (HC) | Columbia, Mo. | Night Window |
| Oct 4 (Sat) | BYE | ||
| Oct 11 (Sat) | Alabama | Columbia, Mo. | 11 a.m. CT / ABC or ESPN |
| Oct 18 (Sat) | at Auburn | Auburn, Ala. | Flex Window |
| Oct 25 (Sat) | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. | Flex Window |
| Nov 1 (Sat) | BYE | ||
| Nov 8 (Sat) | Texas A&M | Columbia, Mo. | Flex Window |
| Nov 15 (Sat) | Mississippi State | Columbia, Mo. | Night Window |
| Nov 22 (Sat) | at Oklahoma | Norman, Okla. | 11 a.m. CT / ABC or ESPN |
| Nov 29 (Sat) | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark. | Night Window |
Key Games Focus
Here are 2-3 key games that could define Missouri’s 2025 season:
- September 20 vs. South Carolina: This is the SEC opener for the Tigers and a crucial early test. Missouri dropped their matchup against the Gamecocks in 2024, and a home victory here would set a strong tone for their conference schedule, especially with Alabama looming.
- October 11 vs. Alabama: A monumental home game against one of the SEC’s perennial powerhouses. While a challenging opponent, playing Alabama at Faurot Field offers a significant opportunity for the Tigers to prove their championship aspirations. A win here would be a program-defining moment and could launch them into Playoff contention.
- November 22 at Oklahoma: This road trip to Norman marks a rekindling of an old Big 12 rivalry and will be a highly anticipated matchup. As both teams navigate the new SEC landscape, this game could have significant implications for conference standings and bowl eligibility. Ending the regular season with a strong road performance against a quality opponent would be a major statement.
