Mizzou embraces the challenges of aiming for another 10-win season

According to an old phrase, once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.

The Missouri Tigers in 2025 are aiming to pattern themselves after the country’s elite college football programs.

Missouri is seeking a third consecutive season with at least 10 victories. That’s no easy accomplishment. Only four teams — Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State and Penn State — have posted at least 10 wins in the last three seasons.

After going 10-3 last season and 11-2 in 2023, Missouri aims for the trifecta, which has never before been accomplished in Columbia.

“The challenge for us is we want to do something that's never been done before at the University of Missouri,” coach Eli Drinkwitz said following spring drills. “That's win an SEC championship, participate in a playoff and/or be the first time in school history to have three 10-win seasons in a row.

“And that's a challenge. It's going to be hard, but we embrace it, and we embrace the chase and embrace the opportunity to do something that's never been done before.”

Zoe Kelton, TexAgs

Texas A&M dominated Mizzou 41-10 at Kyle Field on Oct. 5.

Like Drinkwitz said, it’s not going to be easy.

The Tigers must replace quarterback Brady Cook, All-SEC receiver Luther Burden III, leading receiver Theo Wease Jr., All-SEC offensive tackle Armand Membou, leading rusher Nate Noel, All-SEC defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. (their 2024 leader in sacks) and linebacker Corey Flagg, Mizzou’s leader in tackles.

They’ve looked to fill those gaps by bringing in 22 reinforcements via the transfer portal. That has worked before. Wease transferred from Oklahoma. Flagg transferred from Miami. Noel transferred from Appalachian State.

The Tigers will be counting heavily on a previous strategy to reach that goal they haven't previously attained.

Missouri Tigers

2024 record: 10-3; 5-3 in the SEC

Primary area of strength: The Tigers' front seven projects to be very good. Missouri ranked a solid 45th in the nation in run defense in 2024. Defensive end Zion Young and defensive tackle Chris McClellan are returning starters. So is linebacker Triston Newson. Sophomore transfer Josiah Trotter, who was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team, was added to a deep linebacker corps.

Primary area of concern: Who’s going to replace All-SEC offensive tackle Armand Membou, the seventh player selected in the NFL Draft? Junior Jayven Richardson, who played 69 snaps last season, and West Virginia transfer Johnny Williams IV are likely replacements.

Top returners

• DT Chris McClellan: After transferring from Florida, McClellan posted 39 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks for Mizzou last season.
• G Cayden Green: Former transfer from Oklahoma, Green projects as the Tigers' best offensive lineman in 2025.
• DE Zion Young: Last season, he posted 42 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and was credited with five quarterback pressures.

Key additions


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  Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

  Beau Pribula appeared in 12 games for Penn State in 2024, with his last action coming in the Big Ten Championship.
  QB Beau Pribula: As Penn State’s backup last season, Pribula completed 26 of 35 passes for 275 yards and five touchdowns.
• DE Damon Wilson II: Edge rusher posted three sacks, 22 tackles and 5.5 TFLs for Georgia in 2024.
• RB Ahmad Hardy: The transfer from Louisiana Monroe rushed for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Key losses

• WR Luther Burden III: All-SEC selection had 147 catches for 1,888 yards and 15 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
• QB Brady Cook: Three-year starting quarterback passed for 2,535 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions while fighting through injuries last season.
• DE Johnny Walker Jr.: All-SEC selection ranked fourth in the SEC with 9.5 sacks. He also had 44 tackles and was credited with four quarterback hurries.

2025 Missouri Schedule

• Aug. 28 vs. Central Arkansas
• Sept. 6 vs. Kansas
• Sept. 13 vs. Louisiana
• Sept. 20 vs. South Carolina
• Sept. 27 vs. Massachusetts
• Oct. 11 vs. Alabama
• Oct. 18 at Auburn
• Oct. 25 at Vanderbilt
• Nov. 8 vs. Texas A&M
• Nov. 15 vs. Mississippi State
• Nov. 22 at Oklahoma
• Nov. 29 at Arkansas