Since taking over as Missouri’s head coach in 2020, Eli Drinkwitz has steadily built the Tigers into a program capable of competing with anyone in the SEC. However, in the games that matter most, he has struggled to lead the team to victories.
Following Missouri’s loss to No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday, Drinkwitz addressed the team’s concerning record against ranked SEC opponents over the past two seasons.
Eli Drinkwitz Addresses Missouri’s Struggles Against Ranked SEC Teams
It is hard to criticize what Drinkwitz has accomplished at Missouri. He has led the Tigers to back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2023 and 2024 and secured bowl appearances in five straight years, including 2025.
However, one concerning trend continues to limit Missouri’s potential: the Tigers are now 0-6 against ranked SEC opponents over the past two seasons.
After the loss to Texas A&M, Drinkwitz was asked about that record and took full accountability. He admitted that while Missouri has faced strong teams, he has not done enough as head coach to deliver wins in those games.
Eli Drinkwitz on #Mizzou being 0-6 against ranked SEC teams in the past two seasons:
“They’re good teams, and I don’t do a good enough job coaching.” pic.twitter.com/tUHmwvl2vC
— Killian Wright (@KillianMWright) November 9, 2025
“Yeah, they’re good teams. They’re good teams, and I don’t do a good enough job coaching,” Drinkwitz said.
It is a sign of leadership that he is taking responsibility for the Tigers’ struggles, but accountability can only go so far. So far this season, Missouri has faced and lost to three ranked SEC opponents: Alabama, Vanderbilt, and now Texas A&M.
Before Saturday’s loss, the Tigers had a 5.05% chance to make the College Football Playoff (CFP), according to PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter. Following the defeat, those odds have dropped to nearly zero. If Drinkwitz cannot start winning against ranked conference opponents, Missouri’s path to the CFP will remain virtually impossible.
It is undoubtedly hard to win in the SEC, which, from top to bottom, is the best conference in college football. Missouri has a history of being a middle-of-the-pack team, and Drinkwitz has been trying to push them toward the top, but losses to ranked opponents continue to hold them back.
While the record is concerning, the blame, at least this season, cannot be placed entirely on Drinkwitz. The Tigers lost starting quarterback Beau Pribula during their Week 9 overtime loss to Vanderbilt and were without him again on Saturday against the Aggies.
Injuries are part of the sport, but trying to beat some of the nation’s best programs without your starting quarterback is a significant challenge.
While Missouri and Drinkwitz would obviously like a better record against ranked SEC opponents, the head coach has elevated the program since taking over. Despite a tough 2025 season, there is a strong chance Missouri breaks its losing streak in 2026.
