Mizzou Quarterback Update
As the Missouri Tigers prime for the 2025 football season, the quarterback position remains the centerpiece of heated speculation and competition. With long-time starter Brady Cook now in the NFL, the role between the goalposts is up for grabs, and the battle is hotter than ever.
The Contenders
Sam Horn
A three-year presence at Mizzou, Horn also shines on the baseball diamond. Despite being selected in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Dodgers, he’s decided to “pick laces over aces,” prioritizing football this fall and declining to sign immediately with MLB teams.
Recovering from Tommy John surgery, Horn’s familiarity with Mizzou’s system and leadership qualities give him tangible advantages in this competition.
Beau Pribula
A dual-threat quarterback from Penn State, Pribula transferred to Mizzou in December 2024. At Penn State, he demonstrated agility and poise, recording 424 passing yards with a 180.5 passer rating.
Coach Eli Drinkwitz has publicly praised Pribula’s quick adaptation and leadership during spring and summer practices
Matt Zollers
A 2025 freshman signee, Zollers arrived with high school credentials—breaking passing records and earning an Elite 11 finals invite ([Wikipedia][6]). Despite a past season-ending ankle injury, he’s impressing the coaching staff with his arm strength and poise.
The QB Battle Dynamics
Coach Drinkwitz remains carefully measured about naming a starter, emphasizing that the decision will come when a player clearly stands out. As he put it:
“When the quarterback’s ready, he’ll show himself to the team.”
There is “no timetable” on making the decision—coaches are watching fall camp and evaluating who corrects errors and performs consistently, Drinkwitz noted:
“They’ve all done some really good things and some really dumb things… that’s kind of the quarterback position… Now it’s about seeing, do they continually make the same mistake or do they self-correct.”
Looking Ahead
Mizzou’s focus is clear—playoff contention and SEC excellence. At SEC Media Days, Drinkwitz emphasized team cohesion, continuity, and the quarterback’s ability to lead under pressure. Meanwhile, post-spring pressers reiterated aspirations for a third straight 10-win season, with the QB competition firmly in the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
The quarterback gig at Missouri is far from settled. Sam Horn brings system familiarity, resilience, and multi-sport star power. Beau Pribula offers adaptability, dual-threat explosiveness, and an X-factor in offense. And Matt Zollers injects youthful potential and impressive high school pedigree.
Ultimately, this competition reflects impactful coaching philosophy: a player will emerge—when they prove ready. Until then, fall camp will be the proving ground—and by Week 1, the Tigers hope to have a deserving leader under center.
