As the 2025 college football season approaches, Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz finds himself facing perhaps the toughest challenge of his tenure in Columbia. After a breakout 2024 season that saw the Tigers make serious noise in the SEC, Drinkwitz must now regroup and rebuild after losing several cornerstone players — including one of the best quarterbacks in school history.
The departure of quarterback Brady Cook, who was instrumental in leading the Tigers’ high-powered offense, leaves a major void under center. Cook’s leadership, accuracy, and deep understanding of the offensive system were key factors in Missouri’s success last season. His graduation means that Drinkwitz and offensive coordinator Kirby Moore must now turn to a new signal-caller to carry the torch, whether it’s an experienced backup or a promising newcomer.
But Cook isn’t the only offensive weapon Missouri must replace.
The Tigers also lost two of their top running backs, both of whom contributed significantly to the team’s balanced attack. Cody Schrader, in particular, was a workhorse in the backfield, providing consistency, toughness, and the ability to break off big plays. Alongside him, the second back offered valuable depth and versatility, giving Missouri one of the more underrated backfield duos in the conference.
Wide receiver is another area of concern. Drinkwitz will be without two of the most productive wideouts he’s ever coached during his time at Mizzou. Luther Burden III, a former five-star recruit who lived up to the hype with a dominant 2024 campaign, is now headed to the NFL. His departure strips the Tigers of a dynamic playmaker who could change a game with a single touch. In addition, the loss of Theo Wease Jr., a reliable target and red zone threat, further thins out the receiving corps.
Replacing such talent is never easy, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC. The talent pool is deep, but the level of competition is unforgiving. Missouri doesn’t have time for a long rebuild — expectations are high after a successful campaign, and fans are hungry to see the program continue its upward trajectory.
Still, Drinkwitz has proven himself a capable recruiter and strategist. Over the past few seasons, he’s shown an ability to develop talent and adapt his game plan to fit his personnel. With a strong 2025 recruiting class and several transfers expected to step into bigger roles, there’s reason to believe Missouri won’t take a step back.
Much will depend on how quickly the new quarterback can settle in and whether the offensive line — largely intact from last season — can provide the stability needed for a transition year. Defensively, the Tigers return several key contributors, which could help keep them competitive while the offense finds its footing.
As Missouri kicks off its 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on how Drinkwitz handles this next chapter. Can he retool on the fly and keep the Tigers in the SEC title hunt? Or will this be a season of growing pains and recalibration? One thing is certain — the road ahead will test Drinkwitz’s coaching acumen more than ever before.