We’re not sure how likely Eliah Drinkwitz is to keep turning heads. The reason behind the premonition is simple: After wrapping up a strong 10-3 season, including a decent 5-3 mark in the SEC, the head coach was supposed to start mapping out an equally successful (or even better) future. The twister is fate had other plans—a tumble that started with the shock resignation of defensive line coach Al Davis earlier this week, and led to current defensive tackles coach David Blackwell being given additional responsibilities. Now add to that another QB room confusion, and it really is a difficult time at the Tigers front office. Why?

Because the challenge to find a replacement for Brady Cook is rather tall. In the past three seasons, the New York Jets-drafted signal caller passed for 8,304 yards and 44 touchdowns along with 1,073 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. He then topped it off with an iconic 2023 postseason victory (14-3) over the Ohio State Buckeyes. But what’s more irreplaceable is the value he added to the locker room.“I think what Brady has done is continually demonstrated a competitive spirit and a standard of excellence. He’s earned the respect of everybody in our locker room … from the coaches to the players to the nutritionists, because of his consistent nature,” Drinkwitz had said last year.

So, of course, the pressure is on. And Sam Horn and Beau Pribula—the most popular names for the starter role—are certainly feeling the heat. But looks like one person clearly has the upper hand. On the May 16 episode of the Cover 3 Podcast, Power Mizzou’s Gabe DeArmond shared, “The interesting part, I think at quarterback is they bring in Beau, and I think he’s going to be the starting quarterback. All odds say that… You don’t pay a guy seven figures to come be a backup.” But here comes a catch. “But they do have Sam Horn, who came in with all this hype 3-4 years ago and has never seen the field. He’s battled injury, all that stuff. He’s gotten really strong reviews out of spring football.” So can Horn really win the race? Read on to find out. 

Notably, Sam Horn has multiple years of experience in the Tigers’ offense, despite seeing the field scarcely. After undergoing Tommy John surgery last February, quarterback Horn “looks great,” Drinkwitz had noted. While we wait till “late August” to hear the final verdict from the coach, DeArmond, meanwhile, has peered into his crystal ball, so to speak, and made his future prediction. “They are at least going to go with the presumption that Sam Horn has a chance to compete for this job. I think it’s Pribula’s to lose.” But why acquire a transfer QB with a $1.5 million NIL lure if you aren’t even going to start him? 

After patiently waiting his turn at Penn State, Beau Pribula seems all set to step in for Brady Cook at Missouri. His dual-threat skills are a great match for Missouri’s outside-run-focused offense, and his speed could bring back some of those designed QB runs they used with Cook. 

While clouds of uncertainty shroud the Tigers’ camp regarding their quarterback situation, Drinkwitz foresees an unexpected twist in their SEC future.

A schedule tailored for Eliah Drinkwitz’s triumph

According to Nate Edwards, Drinkwitz’s boys will be punching the playoff tickets. “Number one, I think he’s going to be given the time to do so. Number two, I believe the playoff is going to expand and force-feed four SEC teams into the thing. Which regardless of my politics on that, kind of feel like Missouri is going to be one of the top 4 teams in the SEC at some point.” If the Tigers fans think that’s the only serving of good news they are blessed with, here comes a complementary serving. 

Looks like Missouri’s schedule is going to help Drinkwitz give their best. “I hate even saying it, but the schedule really kind of lines up fairly well for them. There’s not a whole lot going on with that…If they can steal a couple of games in there, they might be flirting with a 10-win season.” Yes, they have a home matchup against powerhouse Alabama in mid-October.

But they will be wrapping up the season with face-offs against SEC newcomer Oklahoma and Arkansas. So, everything is falling into place. It’s just that Eliah Drinkwitz must wake up from his sweet dreams and buckle up. Do you know how Drinkwitz decided which player was going first to take the starting reps for March 1’s practice? “Old-fashioned paper, rock, scissors,” came the HC’s reply. After all that, it’s time for Drinkwitz to officially crown his starting QB with a bit more weight than a game of rock-paper-scissors.