Photo by Missouri
Missouri Tigers
2024 Results: 10-3, 5-3(SEC)
2025 Projection: 8-4, 4-4 (SEC)
Overview:
Eli Drinkwitz has put together some tough teams at Missouri, but this season he must replace three-year starter Brady Cook at quarterback along with most of his offensive line if he wants to keep the offense rolling. The transfer portal was kind to the Tiger’s, bringing in key players on both sides of the ball that can hopefully help them maintain the momentum they have built up the last two season.
Offense:
In the spring the battle to replace Brady Cook between Penn State transfer Beau Pribula and Sam Horn was neck-and-neck. Whoever emerges as the starter will have some talented receivers around them like Coleman Loyd, Marquis Johnson and Joshua Manning, but the offensive line will be the unit to watch if the passing game is going to be formidable. The first three games are cupcakes, so that will give them some time to get comfortable, which will be key as they head into conference play.
Defense:
The Tigers return 7 starters on this side of the ball from a unit that was top 20 in total defense last season. They bring in 6 players from the transfer portal that were starters across the FBS, so they could be even better this season. That bodes well for their chances to stay in tight games. Expect this to be another top-20 unit this season and if the offense can sustain drives that number could be higher.
Special Teams:
Both specialists return from a dependable if not awe-inspiring special teams’ unit with Blake Craig handling the placekicking duties, and Connor Weselman at punter. The return game should be strong as well with Marquis Johnson handling kickoffs and Kevin Coleman Jr. returning punts.
Final Thoughts:
For the second straight season, the SEC scheduling gods have been kind to the Tigers. They get Alabama, South Carolina and Texas A&M at home so trips to Auburn, Oklahoma and Arkansas will be key if they want to overachieve in 2025.
