When Pribula went down with one of the most grotesque injuries in college football earlier this year, not even the most optimistic fans thought he could make a return in the NCAA campaign.

However, less than a month after Pribula was carted off during the 17-10 loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores, he could be gearing up for a heroic return to the gridiron. As the Tigers prepare to take on the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Drinkwitz and company could receive a significant boost.

According to the SEC’s initial availability report for Week 13 of the 2025 college football season, Missouri is listing Pribula as “DOUBTFUL” to play against Oklahoma.

What Pribula’s status means

Under NCAA rulings, being listed as doubtful indicates there is a very slight chance a player will actually be active, but for Pribula’s situation, it’s still a very positive sign. Moreover, depending on his progress throughout the week heading into the showdown in The Sooner State, Pribula’s status could be modified.

As it stands, it will be Matt Zollers under center at Memorial Stadium, but all is subject to change. Pribula has defied all odds after overcoming his gruesome injury in record time, and he might do it again as Missouri needs him to stay competitive in the 2025 college football season.

Missouri vs Oklahoma: Head-to-head record

Unless Drinkwitz and Mizzou are looking for extra bulletin-board material, they may want to avoid checking the program’s head-to-head history with the Sooners.

The teams have met 97 times, but the results have rarely favored Missouri: Oklahoma leads the all-time series 67-25-5, holding a 42-game edge over the Tigers. The numbers get even harsher in Norman, where Missouri has managed just 8 wins in 46 trips.

The Tigers haven’t beaten the Sooners on their home turf since 1966—meaning Drinkwitz and company are tasked with accomplishing something no one in Columbia has done in nearly 60 years.

Since moving on from Brian Kelly, the LSU Tigers boast one of the most appealing head coach openings in the country. However, Drinkwitz’s commitment to the University of Missouri isn’t wavering. The 42-year-old head coach made that clear with a bold answer to a question on his future.

“Yeah, I’m not gonna make any comments about jobs,” Eli Drinkwitz stated, via On3. “I’m talking about the Oklahoma game. See my press conference from yesterday about my statement regarding that position. But I appreciate the question.”

Drinkwitz is staying focused

In order to survive and succeed, every coach in college football must learn to live with the outside noise. When things go well, rumors will suggest a head coach is bound for a new destination. When things head south, reports will indicate his job is hanging on by a thread. The key to managing the highs and lows? For Drinkwitz, it’s simply paying no attention to them.

“All of this stuff is just a distraction,” Drinkwitz admitted earlier this week. “I would like to remind everybody, including our fans, we absolutely love Mizzou. We love what we’re building. My focus is going to remain on our team and our current situation and I am not going to get into all of that.”

Home stretch of the season for Missouri

To round up the 2025 NCAA campaign, Missouri (7-3, 3-3 in league play) will take on the No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners (8-2, 4-2 SEC) in Norman on November 22. The regular-season finale will be against the Arkansas Razorbacks in a new edition of the Battle Line Rivalry. Thanks to their seven wins this season, Drinkwitz’s Tigers will participate in a bowl game to close out the year, regardless of their results in the last two weeks.

Weeks ago, the images were alarming and seemed to foreshadow the worst possible outcome for Beau Pribula this season. The quarterback went down with a severe injury in the game against Vanderbilt and had to be replaced immediately.

Against all odds, and with eyes on what may unfold this coming weekend, journalist Matt Zenitz reported that those around the Tigers are optimistic about seeing Pribula back in action.

“Sources tell @CBSSports that there’s early optimism that Missouri QB Beau Pribula may be able to return to action and start when the No. 23 Tigers face No. 8 Oklahoma on Saturday, just three weeks after suffering a nasty ankle injury vs. Vanderbilt,” the insider reported via X.

What injury did Pribula suffer?

Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula suffered a devastating lower-leg injury—later confirmed to be a non-fractured dislocated ankle—during the contest against Vanderbilt, forcing him to be carted off the field in the third quarter.

The injury occurred during a fourth-down run near the goal line, and the sight of the dual-threat QB exiting the game has cast a significant shadow over the Tigers’ playoff hopes.

Chasing a spot in the CFP

The Missouri Tigers are now entering the final, critical push for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. Their remaining schedule features two major road tests: a challenging rivalry matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners, followed by the annual clash with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Missouri must run the table in these tough away games to impress the selection committee and secure a historic berth in the prestigious four-team tournament.

Eli Drinkwitz has no intention of lowering the bar when it comes to performance, and for that, the trust placed in his new starting quarterback will be crucial. Surrounding Zollers with the right support could prove vital in making that happen.

“It’s about playing to what his strengths are,” Drinkwitz said on Tuesday via SI.com. “Are there things that we’re going to add? Probably not, but are there things that he’s more comfortable with than maybe Beau was, absolutely. So we can push those things in the playbook that maybe haven’t been shown.”

While Pribula’s injury could have been a major setback for this team, the head coach remains fully confident in what Zollers can bring to the table, as he’s earned the right to have this opportunity.

“It’s really about us focusing on helping Matt execute at the highest level possible,” the HC also added. “We’re excited about Matt’s opportunity and what he’s earned. He has done a really good job in practice of leadership, stepping up, embracing the moment, embracing the opportunity.”

Making history

Matt Zollers’ appearance as the Tigers’ primary signal-caller next Saturday also marks a milestone that hasn’t happened in quite some time. According to Pete Nakos on X, Zollers is the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Missouri Tigers since Drew Lock did back in 2015.

“The last true freshman starting QB at Missouri was Drew Lock, who started the final 8 games of the 2015 season. Matt Zollers will start Saturday against Texas A&M,” the insider revealed via @PeteNakos.

What’s next for the Tigers?

Missouri football faces a brutal close to the season, starting with a tough home tilt against Texas A&M, followed by another critical SEC matchup hosting Mississippi State. The Tigers then hit the road for back-to-back challenges, traveling to take on Oklahoma before wrapping up their regular season with the rivalry game against Arkansas on the road. This slate will define Mizzou’s year.

In a recent report, journalist Matt Zenitz shared via his official X account (formerly Twitter) the severity of the quarterback’s injury, noting that he will avoid surgery and could potentially return to the field sooner than expected.

“Further testing revealed a bad sprain and ligament damage, but no surgery necessary and there’s maybe even an outside chance he could return during the regular season, sources tell @CBSSports,” the insider reported via @mzenitz.

Hours earlier, the coach had received encouraging news regarding the health of his signal-caller, as it was confirmed that he did not suffer any broken bones—a significant detail given the severity of the injury.

While it is a tough injury for a player who has been key to the team’s structure, the fact that he won’t have to undergo surgery is a relief for the coach and his staff as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

Confidence placed in Matt Zollers

With star quarterback Beau Pribula sidelined by injury, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz must now fully commit to backup Matt Zollers. The Tigers’ season trajectory hinges on Zollers’ ability to manage the offense and maintain a winning record in the rugged SEC.

The better Zollers performs in the coming weeks, the less pressure there will be to rush Pribula back onto the field. Zollers has the chance to prove he’s more than just a stop-gap, allowing Drinkwitz the vital luxury of prioritizing Pribula’s full health for the stretch run.

Playoff dreams still alive

Despite a painful 17-10 loss to No. 10 Vanderbilt, the No. 19 Missouri Tigers‘ playoff aspirations remain surprisingly intact. The Tigers, now sitting at 6-2, were one goal-line play away from forcing overtime, with the defense holding Vandy’s high-powered offense to its lowest point total of the season.

While the loss creates a tougher road in the competitive SEC, the close nature of the defeat—combined with a top-20 ranking—keeps them firmly in the conversation for a 12-team CFP bid, provided they can win out against a challenging remaining schedule.

The images were shocking and left everyone in attendance stunned. The injury to his ankle appeared season-ending at first, but according to Pete Thamel via his X account, the Tigers’ head coach brought some relief by confirming that there are no broken bones.

“Eliah Drinkwitz tells reporters in Nashville that Beau Pribula has an ankle injury that ‘could be a while’ before he returns. He did specify there’s been no broken bones. Pribula appeared on the sideline in crutches and a boot after getting knocked out of the game,” the insider stated via @PeteThamel.

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Drinkwitz will have to rely on the talent of true freshman Matt Zollers, who will take over as Missouri’s starting quarterback beginning with the upcoming game against Texas A&M.

How much do the Tigers lose with Pribula’s injury?

The Missouri Tigers’ College Football Playoff hopes took a severe hit after quarterback Beau Príbula suffered an apparent season-ending ankle injury. The dual-threat leader was the engine of the No. 15 offense, amassing over 1,617 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and adding 5 rushing touchdowns prior to the devastating moment.

His departure forces the Tigers to rely on true freshman Matt Zollers, creating a massive void in both production and veteran leadership for the final stretch of the SEC schedule.

Bouncing back from the latest loss

The No. 15 Missouri Tigers have no time to dwell on their shocking loss to Vanderbilt, especially following the devastating injury to QB Beau Pribula. With a critical two-game homestand straight ahead, the team must rally immediately.

The Tigers face a grueling schedule featuring a major SEC clash against No. 3 Texas A&M, followed by Mississippi State, with their playoff hopes and season trajectory on the line in Columbia.

Quarterback Sam Horn underwent surgery after suffering a fractured tibia in his right leg and will miss the remainder of the season. It’s undoubtedly a significant loss for a Missouri team with serious playoff aspirations.

The news was reported by college football insider Pete Thamel, who shared further details through his official X account (formerly Twitter), shedding light on what is a major development for the Tigers.

“Sources: Missouri QB/LA Dodgers pitcher Sam Horn underwent successful surgery this morning in Columbia, Missouri, to repair a fractured tibia in his right leg,” the insider reported via @PeteThamel.

“While doctors anticipate a complete recovery for Horn, he’ll be sidelined for the rest of the 2025 football season. Horn was injured in Missouri’s season opening game against Central Arkansas on August 28. He’d been in a quarterback battle with Beau Pribula and was slated to split snaps in the opener. He’s a 17th round MLB pick of the Dodgers.”

Pribula’s moment

With starting quarterback Sam Horn now out for the remainder of the season with a fractured tibia, the reins of the Missouri offense have officially been handed over to Beau Pribula.

The graduate transfer from Penn State, who had been in a tight quarterback battle with Horn, has already impressed in his limited playing time this season. He’s completed an incredible 79.1% of his passes for 617 yards and five touchdowns, along with 71 yards and two scores on the ground.

Pribula’s dual-threat ability and efficiency give the Tigers a new dynamic, and his early success suggests he’s more than ready to take on the starting role for the rest of the year.

What’s next for the Tigers?

Drinkwitz has made it clear that he wants a team with a winning mindset — and that’s exactly what they’ll aim to put into action in the games ahead.

• vs Louisiana, September 13
• vs South Carolina, September 20
• vs Massachusetts, September 27
• vs Alabama, October 11
• vs Auburn, October 18

The rivalry between these two historic programs goes beyond any single sport. Now one of the WNBA’s top stars, Sophie Cunningham once played for Missouri in college basketball, so she fully understands what it means to come out on top in the Border War.

Known for her active presence on social media, the former Phoenix Mercury player took to her official X account (formerly Twitter) to show support for the Tigers — delivering a strong message to their upcoming rival.

“I hate kansas. (Expletive) THOSE UGLY BIRDS. go get em tigers. It’s game day baby!!!!,” Cunningham stated via @sophaller.

Sophie Cunningham’s time at Missouri

As a hometown hero for the Missouri Tigers, Sophie Cunningham cemented her legacy as one of the program’s most decorated athletes during her four-year collegiate career. In a remarkable run of 129 consecutive starts, Cunningham showcased her versatility and consistent production, averaging 17.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Her time at Mizzou was highlighted by numerous accolades, including being named a Third-team All-American and a three-time First-team All-SEC selection. She finished her career as the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer, leaving an indelible mark on the program before moving on to the WNBA.

The importance of winning the rivalry game

After a gritty opening win, the Missouri Tigers and head coach Eliah Drinkwitz face a crucial challenge in the historic rivalry against the Kansas Jayhawks. This isn’t just another game; it’s a chance to build momentum and prove that the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.

A victory at home would not only give Mizzou a critical 2-0 record in the young season, but it would also send a powerful message to the college football world. The Tigers must lean on their home-field advantage and channel the intense energy of their fans to secure a second consecutive win and set the tone for what they hope will be another successful campaign.

Brady Cook’s departure to the NFL — after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets — left a vacancy at the starting quarterback spot for the Tigers heading into the new season. That’s where Drinkwitz will have to make a crucial decision with the cards he currently has on the table.

During a recent media availability, the talented head coach addressed the situation regarding his potential signal-callers, highlighting the performances of both Beau Pribula and Sam Horn so far. He also confirmed that no final decision has been made yet.

“I think that’s the biggest question mark of our team,” Drinkwitz said via The Paul Finebaum Show. ” … Really, Sam Horn and Beau, both of them have been really good in fall camp. Both of them have managed the situation really well. Hasn’t been a ton of separation. Last week, I felt like there was maybe some and the other guy just came back in and clawed his way into it. Still a little bit left to figure out there.”

Drinkwitz’s options at quarterback

Eli Drinkwitz has a crucial decision to make ahead of the new season, as the Missouri Tigers are set to begin a new quarterback competition. One contender is Sam Horn, who enters his fourth season with the program but has seen very little on-field action. An injury sidelined him throughout 2024, but his limited resume shows four career games with three completions on eight attempts for 54 yards and a touchdown.

The other option is Beau Pribula, a transfer from the NCAA portal who brings a bit more experience to the table. He spent his career in the Big Ten with the Penn State Nittany Lions, most recently serving as the backup to Drew Allar. The decision for Drinkwitz will be a defining one: go with the familiar, but unproven, Horn, or hand the keys to the offense to the more seasoned newcomer, Pribula.

A promising start to the season

With the goal of building on last season’s success in college football, these are the first five matchups the Tigers will face starting in Week 1.

• vs Central Arkansas, August 28
• vs Kansas, September 6
• vs Louisiana, September 13
• vs South Carolina, September 20
• vs Massachusetts, September 27

[Watch Iowa vs Missouri online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The Music City Bowl sets the stage for an intriguing matchup as the Missouri Tigers face the Iowa Hawkeyes. Missouri enter as 2.5-point favorites, with the game’s total set at a conservative 40.5 points, signaling a likely low-scoring and tightly contested battle.

The Tigers capped their regular season with a 28-21 win over Arkansas, showcasing a balanced attack, while the Hawkeyes leaned on their signature defensive grit to edge Nebraska 13-10 in their finale. Both teams aim to carry that momentum into what promises to be a compelling clash.

When will the Iowa vs Missouri match be played?

Iowa will face Missouri this Monday, December 30th, in the highly anticipated 2024 TransPerfect Music City Bowl. The game will kick off at 2:30 PM (ET).

Iowa vs Missouri: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:30 PM

CT: 1:30 PM

MT: 12:30 PM

PT: 11:30 AM

How to watch Iowa vs Missouri in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between Iowa and Missouri live on Fubo (free trial). Alternatively, you can tune in to ESPN.

With the main goal of leading a new team, Pribula ultimately decided to enter the transfer portal and make a change for the next season. His final destination will be none other than the Missouri Tigers, who are adding one of the highest-ranked quarterbacks.

The news was reported by National College Football reporter Matt Zenitz, who confirmed Pribula’s move to Mizzou through his X (formerly Twitter) account @mzenitz. The talented QB will now be under the guidance of his new head coach, Eli Drinkwitz.

“Penn State QB transfer Beau Pribula (@beauprib) has committed to Missouri, his agency @AurumSports tells @CBSSports/@247Sports. Big get for Eli Drinkwitz and Mizzou. Pribula had ranked as one of the top uncommitted QBs in the transfer portal,” Zenitz stated.

The Nittany Lions are eagerly awaiting their matchup against the Boise State Broncos, set to take place on December 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Drew Allar will look to take down one of the Heisman candidates, Ashton Jeanty.

The controversial departure of Pribula

Beau Pribula had been competing healthily and head-to-head with Drew Allar for the starting quarterback position at Penn State. James Franklin gave both players opportunities, and they responded well. Therefore, when Pribula’s decision to enter the transfer portal was revealed, the coach shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I can give you my word: Beau Pribula did not want to leave our program, and he did not want to leave our program until the end of the season,” the HC said, per Michael Gallagher of Athlon Sports. “But the way the portal is, and the timing of it and the way our team is playing, and when you play the position of quarterback and there’s only one spot, and those spots are filling up, he felt like he was put in a no-win situation. And I agree with him.”

Drew Allar shares a message after defeating SMU

Penn State enters these playoffs with as little fanfare as possible, but steadily making its mark, the team has already advanced to the next round. After the decisive victory over SMU, Drew Allar made something clear about the harsh criticism.

“I don’t care what anybody says about me or my team or my coach,” Allar said after the game, as quoted by Tyler Donohue on X (formerly Twitter). “At the end of the day, our process is our process. The only opinions that matter are the ones in the Lasch building.”

He also added: “Me personally, I don’t care what anybody says about me from the outside. … I saw a quote, like, ‘Why would you take criticism from someone that you would never take advice from?’ And that kind of sticks for me.”