Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz had a quarterback competition on his hands. He entered the regular season trying to decide if he would start Sam Horn or Beau Pribula at quarterback. His original plan for the season opener was to let Pribula play the entire first half against Central Arkansas with Horn taking over in the second.
However, after Drinkwitz put Horn in the game on the Tigers’ second possession, he was knocked out of action during a designed run on his first play from scrimmage. Now, Drinkwitz may have the decision as to who will start made for him.
How Does Beau Pribula Fit Into the Missouri Offense?
Pribula finished the game against Central Arkansas 23-of-28 for 283 yards with two touchdowns. He added 10 runs for 65 yards.
Nathalie Jones of ABC17 reported that when Bribula was asked about his fit in the offense, he said, “I’ve been comfortable running this offense since the Spring. Like I said from the start, I thought this offense was, you know, I fit into it well, and my playing style meshes good with coach (Kirby) Moore’s. You know, calling style and everything.”
#Mizzou QB Beau Pribula asked about his comfortability after game one: “I’ve been comfortable running this offense since the spring.”
Today, Coach Drinkwitz says they just need Beau to be Beau (specifically while running the ball), which gives Pribula a lot of confidence. pic.twitter.com/VEDuIEW8Og
— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) September 2, 2025
“I think, really, just as far as improving, you know, putting together efficient drives and scoring a touchdown every time. We don’t want to settle for three ever,” Pribula said.
“And just continuing to read every play true and trust what you see, go through its progressions, and just continue to take what the defense gives you.” So far, so good for Pribula. However, Sam Horn is a different story.
What is Sam Horn’s Injury Status?
Jones reports that, “Eli Drinkwitz says Sam Horn will miss an extended period of time. Doesn’t know how long.”
#Mizzou HC Eli Drinkwitz says Sam Horn will miss an extended period of time. Doesn’t know how long.
Says K Blake Craig tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. Just got surgery today.
Adds they added a JUCO transfer kicker to the team & brought back QB Brett Brown
— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) September 2, 2025
Horn had already recovered from Tommy John surgery and was expected to compete for the starting quarterback job with Missouri. Calum McAndrew of the Columbia Daily Tribune reports that there are no details on his injury being reported.
“Sam has an injury that’s going to keep him out for an extended period of time. I’m not going to get into specifics, but he will be out,” Drinkwitz said Tuesday. “Don’t know how long yet, but he will miss an extended period of time.”
Now, Horn’s injury has more or less ended the quarterback competition for Missouri. Because of this, Pribula will lead the Tigers when they host the Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, September 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.
