Drinkwitz explained to ESPN’s Pete Thamel that while he’d like to finalize the starter by the third scrimmage, he’s not going to force the decision: “I’m not going to rush it… When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” This process-driven approach ensures the QB who truly demonstrates readiness in gameplay takes the helm, not the one chosen by presumption.

Sam Horn: Homegrown and Dual‑Sport

Experience: Fourth year in the program; has four career game appearances and 42 snaps .

Attributes: Dual-threat capability, familiarity with the Mizzou system, strong decision-making. Continuing to develop post–Tommy John surgery; known for leadership and resilience, especially while managing Type 1 diabetes .

Pitching Prospects: Also a high-90s MLB pitching prospect drafted in the 17th round by the Dodgers, though he’s signaled intent to focus on football this fall and declined to rush a decision .

Beau Pribula: Transfer with a Chip

Background: Completed 24 games at Penn State, stepping in for Drew Allar. Logged nine passing and ten rushing TDs; notably went 11-of-13 with 98 yards and a TD in relief vs. Wisconsin .

Coach’s Assessment: Drinkwitz praises his mindset and leadership: “right kind of chip… connects with our team” . He labels Pribula “a very talented passer” with no reservations about his arm .

Intrigue: Some analysts consider him a “wild card” due to limited passing exposure — yet Mizzou’s staff strongly values his dual-threat skillset .

Depth and System Fit

Beyond Horn and Pribula, Missouri has Matt Zollers, praised for his arm strength and returning from ankle surgery . Drinkwitz emphasizes whoever emerges will have strong support: a stout defense and solid offensive cast await the starter.

Stakes: History to be Made

The Tigers aim for their third straight 10+ win season and a College Football Playoff berth—a first in school history . Settling the QB spot is pivotal to those ambitions; with new talent on the roster (38 scholarship newcomers), cohesion and internal confidence—bolstered by this QB competition—will be critical .

Timeline & Outlook

Timeline: Drinkwitz anticipates a decision likely by late July (around the third scrimmage), but is flexible—he insists the choice will be merit-based, not arbitrary .

What to Watch: The coming practices and scrimmages (late July into August) will reveal which QB “identifies himself.”

Season Opener Target: Missouri opens on August 30 (or 28 depending on schedule) versus Central Arkansas; a starter should be in place by then .

Bottom Line

Missouri’s QB race is an authentic battle between Horn’s homegrown grit and Pribula’s fresh dual-threat upside. Coach Drinkwitz is taking a steady, performance-based approach—no rush, no favoritism. As fall camp intensifies, the Tigers look to unearth a QB capable of leading them toward new heights.