Mizzou's 2026 football season is shaping up to be an intriguing one, especially with the quarterback position up for grabs. The Tigers have brought in Garrett Riley as their new quarterbacks coach, and he's diving headfirst into the challenge of determining who will lead the team on the field.
In the mix for the starting quarterback role are Austin Simmons, a transfer from Ole Miss; Matt Zollers, a returning sophomore; Nick Evers, a seasoned player with stints at UConn, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma; and Gavin Sidwar, a fresh face as a 2026 signee and early enrollee.
Garrett Riley, at 36 years old, brings a wealth of experience and a notable family connection as the younger brother of USC coach Lincoln Riley. After Mizzou's 10th spring practice, Riley was tight-lipped about who might be leading the pack, but he did highlight the unique blend of talent and inexperience among the quarterbacks.
"Austin thinks he's the old guy because he's going into his fourth year of college, but he's only 20," Riley noted. "You have Nick, who's been around the block, and then you have Matt, who's obviously young, but a guy that's returning with some experience."
Simmons, who had a promising start at Ole Miss before an injury sidelined him, is seen by many as a frontrunner. Last season, he threw for 744 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions, completing 60% of his passes. Riley appreciates Simmons' calm demeanor and adaptability.
"I don't think anything gets him too high or too low," Riley said. "There's not a lot of panic in him, learning a new system, learning his new teammates. It's definitely been one of the highlights."
Zollers, who started three games last year, is known for his strong arm and competitive spirit. He threw for 503 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, completing 53.4% of his passes.
"Love Matt," Riley expressed. "He's a competitive guy.
That's what's really stuck out to me. He's eager and hungry to learn and improve."
Then there's Evers, a former 4-star recruit who has journeyed through several programs. With 1,023 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions to his name, his experience is invaluable.
"Nick's the old man in the group," Riley joked. "He's a veteran, a journeyman, but I love his experience. He’s a good teammate and stays even-keeled."
Riley is focused on individual development this spring, emphasizing improvement across the board. But when it comes to picking the starting quarterback, he knows what he's looking for: leadership, consistency, and execution.
"As you get into it, it's about who can lead us to score, take care of the football, and be consistent in decision-making," Riley explained. "You can be a great decision-maker, but if you never make a play, that's not a great formula."
Riley wants the future QB1 to seize the moment. "You've got to maximize your opportunities," he said.
"Be assertive, but also understand it doesn't need to be too big. Relax and stick to the process."
In the high-stakes world of SEC football, it's all about consistency and making the right plays. Riley's message to his quarterbacks is clear: don't press, just perform.