The 2025 Missouri football team took the field for its first open practice of spring camp on Saturday at Stephens Indoor Facility in Columbia, offering media members an early glimpse at the revamped roster. With key players like quarterback Brady Cook, right tackle Armand Membou, and receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. departing for the NFL Draft, head coach Eli Drinkwitz is integrating new talent to fill the void. “It’s surreal not having those guys who’ve been with me the whole time, but this is a new group with new energy,” Drinkwitz said. “There’s competition at quarterback and linebacker, but we still have veterans like Daylan Carnell and Connor Tollison. It’s different, but it’s good.”
**Quarterback Competition Heats Up**
Penn State transfer Beau Pribula is the frontrunner to replace Cook, but Drinkwitz isn’t rushing to name a starter. Sam Horn and Drew Pyne are also in the mix, with Horn fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and Pyne familiar with offensive coordinator Kirby Moore’s system. “I told the guys there’s no plan to name a starter through spring,” Drinkwitz said. “This is about individual development.” To decide who took the first reps at practice, the quarterbacks even played rock-paper-scissors.
Pribula has already impressed with his work ethic. “Beau’s extremely diligent in his work,” Drinkwitz said. “He does a lot of preparation, and I’m excited about what he’ll contribute.” Horn, meanwhile, looked sharp in practice after missing 2024 due to injury. “Sam looks great—fully cleared, throwing the ball,” Drinkwitz added. “No concerns with him at all.”
**Injury Updates**
Several players are easing back into action after injuries. Center Connor Tollison, who suffered a knee injury in November, participated in non-contact drills. “He’s doing really good,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s attacking his rehab, and I’m proud of him.” Defensive end Darris Smith, who missed all of 2024 with a knee injury, is also limited to non-contact work. “We’re being cautious with him because of his length, speed, and twitch,” Drinkwitz explained.
Tight end Brett Norfleet, safety Marvin Burks Jr., and outside linebacker Khalil Jacobs wore green non-contact jerseys but are further along in their recoveries. “We’re being cautious with Norfleet to avoid setbacks,” Drinkwitz said.
**New Leaders Emerging**
With so many key players gone, familiar faces are stepping into larger roles. Left guard Cayden Green, a transfer from Oklahoma, is expected to lead the offensive line in Tollison’s absence. “Last year, it was someone else’s turn because he was new,” Drinkwitz said. “Now, he’s the old reliable in the room.”
The receiving corps also lost significant depth, but Mississippi State transfer Kevin Coleman Jr. is poised to make an immediate impact. “Kevin’s played a ton of football and made some incredible plays today,” Drinkwitz said. “His leadership will rub off on the group.” Juniors Marquis Johnson and Josh Manning are also expected to take on bigger roles. “They understand what an elite E.D.G.E. looks like and what the N.W.O. culture is,” Drinkwitz said.
As spring camp progresses, the Tigers are focused on building chemistry and identifying leaders to carry the program forward in 2025.
Leave a Reply