Missouri Faces Key Departures as Transfer Portal Heats Up, Hardy Nears All-American History
The Missouri Tigers are heading into the postseason with a reshaped roster and a few big names on the move. With the Gator Bowl against Virginia on the horizon, Mizzou’s quarterback and wide receiver rooms are undergoing some significant changes - and the ripple effects could stretch well into next season.
Beau Pribula Enters the Portal After One Season in Columbia
Senior quarterback Beau Pribula, who transferred in from Penn State ahead of the 2025 season, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The move, reported Thursday morning, marks the end of a short but eventful stint in Columbia for the veteran signal-caller.
Pribula arrived with high expectations and quickly earned the starting job, but an injury suffered in the Oct. 25 matchup against Vanderbilt derailed his season. He missed multiple weeks and never fully regained his footing in the offense.
Still, in his lone year with the Tigers, Pribula put up solid numbers: a 67.4% completion rate, 1,941 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added another 297 yards and six scores on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability when healthy.
As of midday Thursday, Pribula’s name was already removed from Missouri’s online roster - a clear sign that the Tigers are turning the page at quarterback heading into 2026.
Marquis Johnson Opts Out of Gator Bowl, Expected to Transfer
Missouri will also be without one of its most explosive playmakers in the Gator Bowl. Junior wide receiver Marquis Johnson is expected to enter the transfer portal and will not suit up for the Dec. 27 game in Jacksonville.
Johnson’s departure is the latest in a string of exits from Mizzou’s receiver corps. Earlier this month, redshirt freshman James Madison II and junior Josh Manning also announced their intentions to transfer.
Johnson, a dynamic vertical threat, made his presence felt early in his Tigers career. As a true freshman in 2023, he racked up 383 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 catches - an eye-popping average of nearly 30 yards per reception.
One of those grabs came in the Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State, a momentum-shifting play that helped seal a signature victory for the program.
But despite his big-play ability, Johnson never quite had the breakout season many expected. With the offense leaning on Kevin Coleman Jr. and integrating younger targets like true freshman Donovan Olugbode, Johnson’s role gradually diminished. Now, he’ll look for a fresh start elsewhere.
Gator Bowl Receiving Corps: A Youth Movement
With Johnson out, Missouri’s receiving group for the Gator Bowl will feature a mix of experience and emerging talent. Coleman - the Tigers’ top receiver this season - will play his final college game before exhausting his eligibility. He’ll be joined by Olugbode, who has emerged as a reliable option down the stretch, along with Xavier Loyd, Daniel Blood, Logan Muckey, Shaun Terry, and DaMarion Fowlkes.
It’s a group that may lack star power on paper, but there’s no shortage of upside. The Gator Bowl could serve as a preview of what’s to come in 2026, especially with younger receivers getting a chance to step into larger roles.
Transfer Portal Tally Grows
With Pribula and Johnson entering the portal, Missouri now has eight players officially on the move. The NCAA’s winter transfer window opens on Jan. 2 and runs for 15 days, and it’s clear the Tigers are already deep into the roster-retooling phase.
Ahmad Hardy on the Brink of Unanimous All-American Status
While roster turnover is grabbing headlines, running back Ahmad Hardy continues to make history.
Hardy was named to the Sporting News All-America First Team on Wednesday, making him just the third Tiger ever to earn that honor. He’s already been selected by three of the five major All-America selectors - the American Football Coaches Association, Walter Camp Football Foundation, and Associated Press - which qualifies him as a consensus All-American.
Now, he’s one selection away from becoming a unanimous All-American. That final piece could come Friday, when the Football Writers Association of America reveals its picks.
Hardy’s 2025 season has been nothing short of elite. He finished second nationally in rushing yards with 1,560 and led all backs in rushing yards per game at 130.0. Those numbers have also made him one of three finalists for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back.
NFL Draft Stock Rising: McClellan and Pride Accept All-Star Invites
Two Missouri seniors are gearing up for the next chapter in their football journeys - and they’re getting some big-time opportunities to showcase their skills ahead of the NFL Draft.
Defensive tackle Chris McClellan has accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, joining fellow defensive lineman Zion Young. McClellan was a key piece of Mizzou’s defensive front this season, registering 42 total tackles and five sacks.
The Senior Bowl, set for Jan. 31 in Mobile, Alabama, has become a premier proving ground for NFL hopefuls. Just last year, offensive tackle Armand Membou played in the game before being drafted No. 7 overall by the New York Jets.
Cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. has accepted an invite to the Hula Bowl, which will be held Jan. 10 in Orlando, Florida. Pride turned in a productive 2025 campaign with 23 tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. He’s looking to follow in the footsteps of current Jets quarterback Brady Cook, who also played in the Hula Bowl earlier this year.
What’s Next for Missouri?
With the Gator Bowl approaching and roster changes already in motion, Missouri is entering a pivotal stretch. The departures of Pribula and Johnson leave gaps, but they also open the door for younger talent to step up. Meanwhile, Hardy’s All-American campaign is providing a bright spot - and a potential milestone moment - for a program in transition.
The Tigers have shown they can reload quickly. Now, it’s about seeing who’s ready to rise.