Cody Slovensky
LSU Writer
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Tigers enjoyed a successful 2024 season, finishing 10-3 (5-3 SEC) and ranked in the top 25. They capped the year with a 27-24 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Music City Bowl.
Despite the success, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz faces significant challenges. Missouri must replace its starting quarterback, top two running backs, top two receivers, and three offensive linemen.
Through strategic use of the transfer portal, Drinkwitz has secured veteran replacements to keep the offense competitive. At quarterback, Penn State graduate transfer Beau Pribula steps in as the starting QB for 2025. Pribula, a dual-threat quarterback, fits well in offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s system. In 2024, he completed 26 of 35 passes for 275 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 38 rushes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Though early, the quarterback position appears promising for Missouri in 2025.
Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll formed a formidable, yet underrated, running back duo for Missouri in 2024. Noel joined after four seasons at Appalachian State, while Carroll arrived following four years at Georgia State. With both now departed, Missouri welcomes former Louisiana Monroe running back Ahmad Hardy. In his freshman season, Hardy amassed 237 carries for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns, including two games surpassing 200 yards. A highly sought-after transfer, Hardy was destined for an SEC program and landed at Missouri.
Hardy aims to continue his standout performance at Missouri, fitting seamlessly into Moore’s scheme. As with Pribula, Hardy’s playing style aligns well with Missouri’s offensive approach.
Losing wide receivers Theo Wease Jr. and Luther Burden III to the NFL has left a void in Missouri’s receiving corps. Both players had standout careers, but the team now turns to tight end Brett Norfleet and wide receiver Marquis Johnson, the leading returners from the 2024 season. Joining them is former Mississippi State wide receiver Kevin Coleman, Jr., who recorded 74 receptions for 932 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Coleman also brings experience as a return specialist.
Coleman launched his college football career at Jackson State in 2022 under coach Deion Sanders. When Sanders moved to Colorado, Coleman entered the transfer portal and joined Louisville. After a productive season with the Cardinals, he transferred to Mississippi State. Now, the well-traveled veteran wide receiver aims to elevate his NFL draft stock in 2025 at Missouri. The connection between Coleman and Pribula could prove dynamic this season.
True freshman wide receiver Donovan Olugbode, a top 75 recruit from IMG Academy according to 247Sports, is generating buzz in Missouri’s fall camp. The wide receiver position offers significant playing time for freshmen, making Olugbode a player to watch.
Missouri’s offensive line, an often-overlooked strength, returns experienced players Cayden Green and Connor Tollison. They are joined by veteran transfers Johnny Williams, IV, Dominick Giudice, and Keagen Trost. With this depth of experience, the offensive line could be Missouri’s strongest unit.
Following a 10-win season in 2023 and a strong recruiting class from both the transfer portal and the high school ranks, Missouri’s offense has the potential to rank among the nation’s most formidable. This group cannot be underestimated.
Be sure to check out the Missouri Tigers on August 28th at 6:30PM/CT as they take on the Central Arkansas Bears at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
