The Missouri Tigers closed out their 2025 season with a tough 13-7 loss to Virginia in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl - a result that punctuated a year that started with promise but ultimately finished with more questions than answers. Missouri finishes at 8-5, but the more telling number might be 0-5 - that’s their record against ranked opponents this season. And while there’s no single reason for the slide, quarterback instability played a major role down the stretch.
Coming into the season, Penn State transfer Beau Pribula won the starting job in fall camp, but Missouri’s plans were upended early when Sam Horn suffered a season-ending injury. That left the Tigers leaning heavily on Pribula - until he went down with an ankle injury of his own.
Enter true freshman Matt Zollers, who was suddenly thrust into the spotlight as QB1. Zollers showed flashes, but the inconsistency was evident, especially in the bowl game.
Now, with Pribula announcing he’s heading back into the transfer portal, Zollers is the only established quarterback left on the roster. And while there’s optimism about his potential, it’s clear Missouri needs to bring in another arm to compete - not just for depth, but to push the offense forward in 2026.
Here are three quarterback transfer candidates who could make sense for Mizzou and head coach Eli Drinkwitz as they look to retool and reload in the always-demanding SEC.
Rocco Becht - Iowa State
If Missouri is looking for a proven veteran who’s been through the fire, Rocco Becht might be the guy. The Iowa State starter has officially hit the portal, part of a mass exodus from Ames following head coach Matt Campbell’s departure to Penn State. Becht brings experience, leadership, and a résumé that includes multiple seasons as a starter at the Power Five level.
His 2025 numbers - 2,584 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a 134.1 passer rating - don’t jump off the page, but they came in a season of transition and turmoil. Just a year earlier, he’d shown he can put up over 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns with a passer rating north of 150. That’s the kind of production Missouri could use, especially with a challenging SEC slate on the horizon in 2026.
Becht would bring a steady hand to the offense and could be the perfect bridge while Zollers continues to develop. If Mizzou wants to compete now, this is the type of quarterback who can help them do it.
Dylan Raiola - Nebraska
Looking for upside? Dylan Raiola brings it in spades. The former five-star recruit and one of the most hyped quarterback prospects in recent memory is back on the market, and Missouri could be an intriguing landing spot.
Raiola hasn’t lived up to the sky-high expectations just yet, but the talent is undeniable. He’s shown flashes - the kind of arm talent and improvisational ability that can change games. For a Mizzou offense that’s been searching for a spark in the passing game, Raiola could be the high-ceiling swing worth taking.
He’s still young, with multiple years of eligibility remaining, and Columbia isn’t far from Lincoln. With playmakers like Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts returning, the pieces are there for an explosive offense - if Drinkwitz can find the right trigger man. Raiola might not be a sure thing, but if he hits, he could elevate the Tigers to a different tier in the SEC.
Michael Hawkins Jr. - Oklahoma
If Missouri wants to play the long game and invest in roster depth across the board, Michael Hawkins Jr. could be the smart-value play. The Oklahoma quarterback didn’t get a real shot in Norman, stuck behind John Mateer, but he’s a talented prospect looking for a true opportunity to compete.
Hawkins wouldn’t command the same NIL investment as some of the bigger names in the portal, which could be key for a Mizzou program that also needs to rebuild its wide receiver corps, offensive line, and defensive front. He brings upside, mobility, and a chip on his shoulder - and he’d provide legitimate competition for Zollers without breaking the bank.
If Zollers wins the job, great - Missouri has a capable backup with starting potential. If Hawkins wins it?
Even better. Either way, it’s a win-win scenario for a program trying to maximize its resources and reload for the SEC grind.
What’s Next for Mizzou?
Coach Drinkwitz has a lot on his plate this offseason. The quarterback room needs reinforcements, the offensive identity needs clarity, and the roster as a whole needs retooling.
But the good news? The transfer portal offers options - and Mizzou is in a position to be aggressive.
Whether it’s a seasoned vet like Becht, a high-upside swing like Raiola, or a smart-value play like Hawkins Jr., Missouri has paths forward. The key will be finding the right fit - not just for 2026, but for the long-term trajectory of the program.
The SEC isn’t getting any easier. But with the right quarterback move, the Tigers could be back in the mix sooner than you think.