Mizzou Football Cracks ESPN Post-Spring Top 25 Rankings

The rankings take into account three important factors: returning production, recent recruiting, and recent history. 

With a SP+ ranking of 12.5, Mizzou was one of 11 SEC teams listed in the Top 25. Alabama (No.2), Georgia (No. 3) and Texas (No. 5) were all in the Top Five. All 136 Division I football programs were ranked, with Mississippi State, bringing up the rear among SEC schools at No. 71. 

Following a comeback win against Iowa in the Music City Bowl, Mizzou finished last season 10-3 and ranked No. 22 in the final AP Top-25 Poll. 

Heading into their 2025 campaign, the Tigers are losing quite a bit of production on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Brady Cook, leading rusher Nate Noel, and their top two wide receivers from last season, Theo Wease Jr. and Luther Burden III, are all gone. 

However, Eli Drinkwitz and company reloaded via the transfer portal. 

Former Georgia edge rusher Damon Wilson II, former Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula and shifty tailback Ahmad Hardy are among 22 incoming transfer players, ranking Mizzou seventh per 247Sports.com. 

The Tigers will also be welcoming in a freshmen class that includes 11 four-star recruits, including three ranked among 247Sports top 100: WR Donovan Olugbode, Edge Javion Hilson, and Pennsylvania quarterback Matt Zollers.