After Missouri’s 13-7 loss to Virginia in the Gator Bowl, head coach Eli Drinkwitz didn’t waste much time dwelling on the result. Instead, his focus shifted immediately to what’s next - and in today’s college football landscape, that means the transfer portal.
With the portal set to reopen on January 2, Missouri’s staff is already bracing for a wave of roster movement. Departures are expected, and Drinkwitz didn’t sugarcoat that reality. But in the middle of his postgame press conference, he paused to deliver a bit of good news - and it came with a smile.
“We’ve got a really strong foundation,” Drinkwitz said. Then, turning to linebacker Nick Rodriguez, who was nearby, he asked, “Nick’s going to be back. You’re going to be back, right?”
Rodriguez grinned and gave a simple, “Yeah.”
Drinkwitz laughed. “He already signed. Just making sure.”
That moment - lighthearted as it was - spoke volumes. In an era when roster turnover is constant, even a verbal confirmation from a key player feels like a win. And make no mistake: Rodriguez is a key piece.
The sophomore linebacker was one of Missouri’s breakout stars this season, and he capped it off with a 15-tackle performance in the Gator Bowl. He was everywhere - flying to the ball, plugging gaps, and setting the tone for a defense that kept the Tigers in the game despite offensive struggles. His return gives Missouri a legitimate anchor in the middle of its defense heading into 2026.
But Rodriguez isn’t the only one staying put. Defensive lineman Ahmad Hardy is also returning, and quarterback Matt Zollers - a highly touted prospect - has already signed. Those are foundational pieces for a team looking to reload rather than rebuild.
Still, Drinkwitz was candid about the uncertainty that lies ahead. He acknowledged that more players are expected to hit the portal - some just haven’t made it official yet. Between transfers, graduations, and early NFL declarations, the roster that takes the field next fall will look significantly different from the one that just wrapped up the season in Jacksonville.
That’s life in modern college football. Continuity is rare. Even keeping players who aren’t transferring now feels like newsworthy material - something Drinkwitz joked about himself.
But for Missouri, the early signs are encouraging. Retaining Rodriguez, Hardy, and Zollers gives the Tigers a solid core to build around.
And while the portal will undoubtedly bring change, it also brings opportunity. Drinkwitz and his staff will be active, looking to fill gaps and add talent.
The Gator Bowl may not have ended the way Missouri hoped, but the program isn’t hitting the reset button. There’s a foundation in place - and in today’s game, that’s half the battle.