Why coach says Missouri Tigers’ quarterback competition won’t carry into Week 2

The most anticipated question of fall camp — Who will start at quarterback? — will not be answered until the Mizzou football team takes the field at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Coach Eli Drinkwitz said both Sam Horn and Penn State transfer Beau Pribula will play against Central Arkansas, but beyond that he kept details under wraps.

“Both have demonstrated leadership, toughness, accuracy and decision-making in practice,” Drinkwitz said Saturday in a news conference, “but I felt like the only way to separate them was in live competition.”

The staff will evaluate how each quarterback prepares this week and performs in the Tigers’ season opener before naming a permanent starter.

One thing is certain: The decision won’t drag into Week 2 against Kansas.

When asked if the competition could carry over, Drinkwitz answered with a firm, “No.”

Reichert sidelined with injury

Offensive lineman Logan Reichert suffered a lower-body injury in practice last week and will miss the first six to eight weeks of the season, Drinkwitz said.

The setback is a tough blow for Reichert, who appeared to be in line for early-season opportunities as Missouri’s second-string right guard.

Special teams assignments

Drinkwitz confirmed that wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. will handle punt returns while running back Tavorus Jones will take kickoff returns.

Coleman handled punt return duties last season at Mississippi State and is expected to pair with junior Daniel Blood, who split the role with Luther Burden III in 2024.

Jones’ physical style separated him during camp and kick returner emerged as the best way to get him involved right away.

“We want a big, physical guy who can run through tackles and still have the ability to make people miss,” Drinkwitz said. “Through evaluating fall camp, he gives us the best chance.”

Hardy ready for SEC debut

Transfer running back Ahmad Hardy, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards after contact as a true freshman at Louisiana Monroe, is set to play a major role in Missouri’s backfield.

Drinkwitz praised Hardy for both his physicality and his presence in the locker room.

“He’s got the right kind of mentality and mindset with the ball in his hands,” Drinkwitz said. “He’s one of those guys you love to have because he’s about his business when he needs to be but he also enjoys the journey.”

Hardy said he feels more settled entering his sophomore year.

“My freshman year, I was kind of jittery,” Hardy said. “Now, I feel like I’ve got it down and I can just play my game.”

He also pointed to fellow back Jamal Roberts’ football IQ, calling him “probably the smartest guy on the team.”

Roberts’ blocking ability and experience are expected to pair with Hardy’s physical running to form the centerpiece of Missouri’s offense.

McClellan looks for defensive dominance

Defensive tackle Chris McClellan said Missouri’s front is focused on controlling the line of scrimmage and generating quarterback pressures.

“That’s always one of our goals — confuse, harass and hit the quarterback,” McClellan said. “We want to be able to do it with our natural abilities.”

McClellan praised the growth of fellow defensive tackle Marquis Gracial, calling him one of the team’s most improved players.

With Central Arkansas coming to Columbia on Thursday and rival Kansas looming in Week 2, McClellan said the Tigers’ priorities must be clear.

“We can’t think about who we have next week,” McClellan said. “We’ve got to win Week 1 first.”

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