Missouri Football Faces a Pivotal Quarterback Reset Entering the 2026 Offseason
As the 2026 college football offseason begins, the Missouri Tigers find themselves at a crossroads. The program has been hit with a wave of roster turnover that has dramatically reshaped its outlook for the coming year. More than 15 players have already departed Columbia, choosing to continue their careers elsewhere through graduation, professional pursuits, or the ever-evolving transfer portal. For head coach Eli Drinkwitz, this exodus represents one of the most challenging roster resets of his tenure, forcing him to reassess depth, leadership, and long-term planning across multiple position groups.
While attrition has affected nearly every unit on the team, no position has been impacted more severely—or more urgently—than quarterback. In today’s college football landscape, stability under center is often the difference between contending for championships and struggling to reach bowl eligibility. Missouri’s quarterback room, once a position of optimism and competition, has suddenly become one of uncertainty and necessity.
The first blow came with the conclusion of Sam Horn’s football career. Horn, a highly touted dual-sport athlete, ultimately decided to step away from football to pursue a future in Major League Baseball. Although his time on the gridiron never fully lived up to expectations, his presence still represented depth and potential. His departure removed one more experienced option from a position group that was already thinning.
Soon after, Missouri suffered an even more impactful loss. Starting quarterback Beau Pribula announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. Pribula had been viewed as the face of the offense moving forward, and his decision sent shockwaves through the program. Almost immediately, speculation began swirling that Pribula could reunite with former coach James Franklin, with Virginia Tech emerging as a likely destination. Regardless of where he ultimately lands, his exit leaves a massive void for the Tigers.
With Horn gone and Pribula transferring, Missouri is left with Matt Zollers as the only realistic quarterback option currently on the roster for the 2026 season. While Zollers possesses talent and upside, relying solely on a young, relatively inexperienced quarterback is a risky proposition—especially in the SEC, where depth and physicality are relentless.
Modern college football demands more than just one capable quarterback. Injuries, performance fluctuations, and player development all necessitate having at least two reliable options under center. Missouri’s coaching staff understood this reality well before the offseason officially began. Zollers did see meaningful action during his freshman campaign, and while there were flashes of promise, his inexperience was evident at times. Those growing pains were expected, but they also underscored the need for competition and insurance at the position.
Given the circumstances, it was clear that Drinkwitz and his staff could not afford to wait. The transfer portal officially opened on January 2, and Missouri wasted little time identifying and targeting a solution. In an offseason where quarterbacks are the most coveted assets available, decisiveness was critical—and Drinkwitz appears to have acted swiftly and strategically.
That solution may come in the form of Austin Simmons, the backup quarterback from Ole Miss. Simmons entered the transfer portal with immediate intrigue, but what truly caught the attention of college football insiders was his decision to place a no-contact designation on his recruitment. According to reports from On3, Simmons has identified only one school as a viable destination: the University of Missouri.
This development instantly positioned Missouri as the frontrunner in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive quarterback transfer markets in recent memory. Across the country, programs are scrambling to secure capable starters, often competing head-to-head for the same limited pool of talent. Yet Simmons’ portal entry stands out because it lacks the usual chaos and uncertainty. Rather than entertaining multiple suitors, Simmons appears to have a clear vision for his next step.
At Ole Miss, Simmons entered the season as the starting quarterback and opened the year under center before transitioning into a backup role later in the campaign. Despite not finishing the season as the primary starter, he remained an integral part of the Rebels’ quarterback room. As of now, Ole Miss is still alive in postseason play, fresh off a dramatic 37–34 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Simmons has committed to finishing out the team’s playoff run before taking any official visits or making a formal commitment elsewhere—a move that has only further strengthened his reputation.
Unlike many players who enter the portal out of necessity or frustration, Simmons’ situation is notably different. By most accounts, his departure is not rooted in conflict or dissatisfaction. Coaches and teammates at Ole Miss have consistently praised his character, leadership, and work ethic. Even while serving as the backup to Trindad Chambliss, Simmons continued to approach his role with professionalism and maturity, setting an example for younger players in the program.
This level of discipline and integrity is exactly what Missouri needs during a period of transition. While Simmons is far from a finished product on the field, his off-the-field qualities suggest he has the foundation to thrive in a new environment. He enters the portal with only 107 career pass attempts, which means there is still considerable projection involved. Unlike Pribula’s transfer to Missouri—where he arrived as the presumed starter—Simmons would not be guaranteed the top spot on the depth chart.
Instead, his arrival would create a competitive quarterback room, something Drinkwitz has consistently valued. Zollers would no longer be forced into a do-or-die situation, and Simmons would have the opportunity to develop, learn the system, and potentially earn the starting role. That kind of internal competition often brings out the best in young quarterbacks and raises the overall level of play.
From a roster construction standpoint, Missouri’s pursuit of Simmons reflects proactive leadership. Rather than reacting late or settling for a less ideal fit, the Tigers identified a need and addressed it early in the portal cycle. In an era where timing often dictates success, that decisiveness could pay significant dividends.
There is also reason to believe Simmons’ ceiling may be higher than his limited game film suggests. Quarterback development is rarely linear, and players often take major leaps when placed in the right system with the right support. Missouri’s offensive structure, combined with Drinkwitz’s quarterback-friendly approach, could provide Simmons with the environment he needs to unlock his full potential.
Ultimately, nothing is guaranteed. Simmons may or may not become the long-term starter, and Missouri’s roster still has holes to fill across other positions. However, securing a quarterback with experience in a high-level SEC program, strong intangibles, and clear interest in Missouri represents a significant early win for the Tigers.
As the 2026 offseason unfolds, this move could come to define Missouri’s ability to stabilize and rebuild after a turbulent stretch. While the losses have been substantial, the Tigers have responded with urgency and purpose. By addressing the quarterback position early and decisively, Missouri has taken a crucial step toward remaining competitive in an unforgiving conference—and may have landed a future star in the process.
