In a surprising turn of events, star quarterback Beau Pribula has decided to leave the Missouri Tigers football program to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. This unexpected departure has left the Tigers scrambling to find a suitable replacement as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Pribula’s journey to Missouri began in December 2024 when he transferred from Penn State. During his tenure with the Nittany Lions, Pribula served as a backup quarterback, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Over two seasons, he completed 37 of 56 pass attempts for 424 yards, throwing nine touchdowns and only one interception. On the ground, he amassed 571 rushing yards and ten touchdowns, often being utilized in specific packages to leverage his mobility. His most notable performance came on October 26, 2024, against Wisconsin, where he stepped in for an injured starter and led the team to a 28-13 victory, completing 11 of 13 passes for 98 yards and adding 28 rushing yards.
Upon transferring to Missouri, Pribula was anticipated to be the frontrunner for the starting quarterback position, especially with the departure of three-year starter Brady Cook, who had exhausted his eligibility. Missouri’s head coach, Eli Drinkwitz, had bolstered the team’s roster through the transfer portal, securing the fourth-best transfer class nationally. Pribula’s addition was seen as a significant coup, and expectations were high for him to lead the Tigers in the 2025 season.
The circumstances surrounding Pribula’s abrupt exit are multifaceted. Initially, he had entered the transfer portal in December 2024, citing the challenging overlap between the College Football Playoff and the transfer portal timeline. This decision was supported by Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin, who acknowledged the difficult position Pribula was in due to the urgency for transfer quarterbacks to secure new opportunities.
Missouri had invested significantly in Pribula, reportedly signing him to a $1.5 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, a figure comparable to those of starting quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). This investment underscored the program’s confidence in his ability to lead the team.
With Pribula’s departure, the Tigers are now faced with the challenge of identifying a new starting quarterback. The current roster includes veteran Drew Pyne, who has previous experience at Notre Dame and Arizona State, and appeared in six games for Missouri during the past season. Additionally, redshirt sophomore Sam Horn, a two-sport athlete recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to participate in spring practices. The team also welcomes true freshman quarterback Matt Zollers, a four-star prospect from Spring-Ford High in Pennsylvania, who is enrolling early to join the program.
Coach Drinkwitz has emphasized fostering competition and development within the quarterback room, stating that there is no rush to name a starter. The focus remains on reestablishing the team’s culture and identity, integrating new talent, and building upon recent successes.
The timing of Pribula’s decision presents a significant challenge for the Tigers, as they must now adjust their strategies and depth charts during spring practices. The coaching staff will need to evaluate the remaining quarterbacks’ performances closely and may also explore additional options through the transfer portal to ensure the team remains competitive in the upcoming season.
Pribula’s pursuit of an NFL career reflects a broader trend in college football, where players are increasingly making decisions that align with their professional aspirations, sometimes leading to unexpected shifts within collegiate programs. As the Tigers navigate this transition, the resilience and adaptability of both the coaching staff and players will be critical in maintaining the program’s trajectory toward success.
In conclusion, Beau Pribula’s sudden departure from the Missouri Tigers to chase his NFL dream has undoubtedly caused ripples within the program. While his exit poses immediate challenges, it also opens opportunities for other talented quarterbacks on the roster to step up and make their mark. The coming months will be pivotal for the Tigers as they regroup, reassess, and prepare to face the demands of the 2025 season with renewed determination.