Missouri Prepares for Gator Bowl Clash with Virginia Amid Key Absences
As Missouri gears up for Saturday night’s Gator Bowl showdown against Virginia, the Tigers are navigating a roster that’s been hit by injuries and transfer departures - a reality that’s become all too familiar in today’s college football postseason.
The good news? While many programs across the country are dealing with mass opt-outs, Missouri has largely avoided that trend.
Still, the Tigers will be without 11 players when they take the field at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, including several who played significant roles during the regular season. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
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Quarterback Change Headlines Missouri’s Absences
The most notable absence is at quarterback. Starter Beau Pribula won’t suit up, as he’s among nine players set to transfer after the season. That means true freshman Matt Zollers will make his third start of the year, stepping into the spotlight against a 10-3 Virginia team that just captured the ACC regular season title.
Zollers has already shown flashes of promise, and this game offers a prime opportunity for him to stake his claim as Missouri’s potential QB1 heading into 2026. Whether the Tigers ride with the freshman long-term or explore the transfer market remains to be seen, but Saturday’s performance could go a long way in shaping that decision.
Wide Receiver Depth Will Be Tested
Missouri’s receiving corps will also look a little different. With Joshua Manning and Marquis Johnson both expected to transfer, the Tigers are down two of their top four pass-catchers.
That puts added emphasis on Kevin Coleman Jr. and Donovan Olugbode, who now become the go-to options in the passing game. Graduate student Xavier Loyd and junior Daniel Blood are likely to see increased reps, while freshmen DaMarion Fowlkes and Shaun Terry II may get a chance to show what they can do under the postseason lights.
Injury Bug Hits the Defense and Tight End Room
Injuries have also taken a toll. Starting middle linebacker Josiah Trotter and tight end Brett Norfleet are both out.
Trotter, who’s gaining steam as a top-100 prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, may have played his final snap in a Missouri uniform. His absence leaves a hole in the middle of the defense, but the Tigers have a plan.
Expect a three-man rotation at linebacker featuring Khalil Jacobs, Triston Newson, and Nicholas Rodriguez. If Missouri needs to dip further into its depth chart, Jeremiah Beasley and Dante McClellan are next up.
At tight end, Jude James is set to take on a larger role, having already filled in for Norfleet during the regular season. Jordon Harris, primarily used as a blocker, could also see an uptick in snaps.
Who’s Still In? Key Players Set to Suit Up
Despite the list of absences, Missouri will still have some of its top talent on the field. Left tackle Cayden Green and defensive ends Damon Wilson II and Zion Young are all expected to play - a major boost for both sides of the ball.
Young, who was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of driving under the influence, remains in the lineup. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed his availability during his pregame press conference. A likely Day 1 or Day 2 NFL Draft pick, Young’s presence off the edge could be a game-changer against Virginia’s offense.
Wilson and Green, both third-year players and draft eligible, haven’t announced their intentions for the next level. But their decision to play in the bowl game speaks volumes about their commitment to finishing the season strong.
What’s at Stake for Missouri
Missouri enters the Gator Bowl with an 8-4 record and a shot at a third straight bowl victory. After taking down Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl in 2023 and Iowa in last year’s Music City Bowl, another win would tie a program record with 30 victories over a three-year span - a mark previously reached only under legendary head coach Gary Pinkel.
For head coach Eli Drinkwitz, it’s a chance to cap off another strong season and keep building momentum. For the young players stepping into bigger roles, it’s an early audition for 2026. And for Missouri fans, it’s another opportunity to see their team compete on a national stage - even if the roster looks a little different than it did a month ago.
On the other side, Virginia is chasing history of its own. With a win, the Cavaliers would secure the first 11-win season in program history.
Whether star running back J’Mari Taylor plays remains a game-time decision, as he weighs his NFL future. Taylor led the ACC in rushing this season and would be a major factor if he suits up.
Final Thoughts
Saturday night’s Gator Bowl won’t feature every familiar face Missouri fans have come to know this season, but it will showcase the depth, development, and direction of the program. With young talent stepping into the spotlight and veterans anchoring key positions, the Tigers still have the pieces to make a statement - and possibly walk away with a little more history.