Missouri's head coach, Eli Drinkwitz, kicked off the Tigers' spring practice with a brief but engaging opening statement, setting the stage for a season full of intrigue. As the Tigers gear up for practices running through March 19, the spotlight inevitably turned to the quarterback position-a familiar focal point for any team looking to make waves in college football.
The buzz centers around Austin Simmons, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound transfer from Ole Miss. Simmons is the expected frontrunner for the starting job as the Tigers dive into spring ball.
However, Coach Drinkwitz made it clear that the position is far from settled. The competition will be fierce, with UConn transfer Nick Evers, returning sophomore Matt Zollers, and new signee Gavin Sidwar all vying for the coveted role.
"Excited about the quarterback competition we're going to have this year," Drinkwitz shared, emphasizing the program's core value of competition. It's a mantra that resonates throughout the roster, promising an intense battle for the starting spot.
Notably absent from the quarterback conversation were Sam Horn, who seems to be leaning towards a future in baseball, and Brett Brown, who had a brief appearance last season. The focus remains on finding the successor to Beau Pribula, who departed for Virginia after a rollercoaster season.
Pribula's departure leaves a significant void. He was a dual-threat quarterback who threw for nearly 2,000 yards and added another 297 on the ground. His absence opens the door for Zollers, who showed promise in a challenging late-season stint.
"He was really thrown into some un-advantageous situations, and he handled himself remarkably well," Drinkwitz said of Zollers. The young quarterback's growth will be crucial as he looks to build on last year's experiences.
Simmons, meanwhile, brings a blend of potential and pedigree. Despite an injury-shortened season at Ole Miss, his talent is evident.
"I think he's very competitive in nature," Drinkwitz remarked, highlighting Simmons' arm talent and decision-making skills. His development under former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin adds another layer of intrigue to his journey at Mizzou.
The quarterback who emerges victorious from this competition will lead an offense brimming with experience and potential. New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and quarterback coach Garrett Riley will have plenty to work with, including a dynamic running back duo in Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts, along with a solid core of returning starters on the offensive line and at tight end.
The Tigers' offensive outlook is promising, with star sophomore receiver Donovan Olugbode poised to make a significant impact. Coach Drinkwitz is optimistic, seeing the returning talent and new additions as a recipe for success.
"Time will tell," Drinkwitz noted, emphasizing the importance of consistent quarterback play. The Tigers aim to balance their attack, reducing reliance on the run game and capitalizing on opportunities through the air. This spring marks the beginning of that journey, with the quarterback battle setting the tone for what's to come in 2026.