2025 Missouri Tigers Season Preview: Staying Competitive In The SEC

Key Players

• Beau Pribula (QB, Sr.) / Sam Horn (QB, R-Jr.): The competition for the starting quarterback role is paramount. Pribula, a Penn State transfer, brings dual-threat capabilities with significant rushing production (571 yards, 10 TDs) and a solid passing efficiency from his time at PSU. Horn, a former four-star recruit, will also vie for the spot.
• Ahmad Hardy (RB, So.): A standout transfer from ULM, Hardy is expected to be a force in the backfield after a freshman season with 1,351 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His physical running style should translate well to the SEC.
• Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR, Sr.): A transfer from Mississippi State, Coleman is poised to step into a leading receiver role. He earned All-SEC honors at his previous stop with 74 catches for 932 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024.
• Cayden Green (OG, Jr.): An experienced offensive lineman who transferred from Oklahoma, Green is a key piece of the offensive line and is expected to be one of the most talented players on the roster.
• Josiah Trotter (LB, So.): A Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year transfer from West Virginia, Trotter is a highly anticipated addition to the linebacker group and could make an immediate impact.
• Jalen Catalon (S, Sr.): A star safety transfer from UNLV, Catalon adds significant experience and playmaking ability to the secondary.
• Damon Wilson II (EDGE, Jr.): A transfer from Georgia, Wilson is among the newcomers expected to generate a much-needed pass rush for the Tigers’ defense.

Missouri Tigers Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Beau Pribula (Sr.) / Sam Horn (R-Jr.)
• RB: Ahmad Hardy (So.) / Jamal Roberts (Jr.) / Marquise Davis (Fr.)
• WR (X): Marquis Johnson (Sr.) / Xavier Loyd (Sr.)
• WR (Z): Joshua Manning (So.) / Ja’Marion Wayne (R-So.)
• WR (Slot): Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr.) / Daniel Blood (R-So.)
• TE: Brett Norfleet (Jr.) / Tyler Stephens (Sr.)
• LT: Keagen Trost (Sr.) / Armand Membou (Jr.)
• LG: Cayden Green (Jr.) / Logan Reichert (R-Fr.)
• C: Connor Tollison (Sr.) / Connor Hollenbeck (R-So.)
• RG: Johnny Williams IV (Sr.) / Tristan Wilson (R-So.)
• RT: Valen Erickson (Jr.) / Cam’Ron Johnson (R-So.)

Defense

• DE: Damon Wilson II (Jr.) / Joe Moore III (Sr.)
• DT: Chris McClellan (Jr.) / Jay’Vion Cole (Jr.)
• DT: Kristian Williams (Sr.) / Johnny Walker Jr. (Sr.)
• EDGE/OLB: Nyles Gaddy (Sr.) / Zion Young (Jr.)
• ILB: Josiah Trotter (So.) / Jeremiah Norfleet (R-So.)
• ILB: Triston Newson (Sr.) / Chuck Hicks (R-So.)
• CB: Daylan Carnell (Sr.) / Shamar Porter (R-So.)
• CB: Dreyden Norwood (Jr.) / Marcus Washington Jr. (R-So.)
• S: Jalen Catalon (Sr.) / Marvin Burks Jr. (Jr.)
• S: Sidney Williams (Sr.) / Phillip Roche (R-So.)
• Nickel: Tre’Vez Johnson (Sr.) / Jaren Kanak (Jr.)

Special Teams

• K: Blake Craig (Jr.)
• P: Luke Bauer (Jr.)
• KR: Marquis Johnson (Sr.)
• PR: Kevin Coleman Jr. (Sr.)

Missouri Tigers Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define Missouri’s 2025 season:

1. September 20 vs. South Carolina: This is the SEC opener for the Tigers and a crucial early test. Missouri dropped their matchup against the Gamecocks in 2024, and a home victory here would set a strong tone for their conference schedule, especially with Alabama looming.
2. October 11 vs. Alabama: A monumental home game against one of the SEC’s perennial powerhouses. While a challenging opponent, playing Alabama at Faurot Field offers a significant opportunity for the Tigers to prove their championship aspirations. A win here would be a program-defining moment and could launch them into Playoff contention.
3. November 22 at Oklahoma: This road trip to Norman marks a rekindling of an old Big 12 rivalry and will be a highly anticipated matchup. As both teams navigate the new SEC landscape, this game could have significant implications for conference standings and bowl eligibility. Ending the regular season with a strong road performance against a quality opponent would be a major statement.