Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz watches play against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Eli Drinkwitz Named to Prestigious Preseason Watch List

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Joey Van Zummeren | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 3:32 PM ET

Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz was one of 26 FBS head coaches named to the Dodd Trophy Head Coach Preseason Watch List, revealed by the foundation behind the award Monday.

The award celebrates a head coach who leads his team to success on the field "while also stressing the importance ofscholarship, leadership and integrity," per a press release announcing the watchlist.

The award honors Bobby Dodd, a coach at Georgia Tech from 1931-1966, being the head coach at the program for the last 21 years of that stint. There, he compiled a 165–64–8 record.

No Missouri head coach has ever won the award, but Drinkwitz was a finalist for the award in 2023, falling short to Florida State's Mike Norvell. Last year, Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame won the award.

In addition to Drinkwitz, six other head coaches from the Southeastern Conference were named to the watch list, three of which Drinkwitz will coach off against in 2025.

Below is the full watch list for the award.