COLUMBIA, Mo. — Year 4 of Dennis Gates’ tenure as the Missouri men’s basketball coach will test a hypothesis and examine one of the underpinnings of his program.
Can a retention renaissance take the Tigers deeper into the postseason?
Will retained core of players help Mizzou men's basketball take next postseason step?
Will retained core of players help Mizzou men's basketball take next postseason step?
Worthy: Matt Zollers taking over at QB adds intrigue for Mizzou, not an excuse
Missouri’s playoff hopes and dreams aren’t dead. The season was not laid to rest in Kevin Coleman Jr.’s hands, an inch from the Vanderbilt goal line on Saturday afternoon. There’s still a heartbeat.
Sure, the Vanderbilt loss delivered a gut punch, but the Tigers’ season didn’t end when they suffered their second loss of the season (both losses against teams ranked among the top 10 in the country).
Where Mizzou fits within the SEC's playoff tiers. 'It becomes a 1-game season'
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Southeastern Conference’s servers whisked one empty dish from Missouri’s table on Saturday, leaving the Tigers to make sense of the mess still on the table.
Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz announced that departure to his players in the locker room after Saturday’s 17-10 loss to Vanderbilt.
Remaining matchups for SEC teams still considered alive in the race for College Football Playoff berths. Games highlighted in blue involve another "still alive" team. The horizontal line separates the five teams with a margin for error from the four teams that cannot afford another loss.Â
Do you think Mizzou will make the playoffs?
Mizzou football snapshots: Snap counts, PFF grades from Tigers' loss at Vanderbilt
So close, but still a loss.
Missouri lost a crucial game — plus its quarterback — in a 17-10 defeat to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Pro Football Focus' trove of advanced stats and snap counts show a handful of trends emerging from the result, from the difference in quarterbacks Beau Pribula and Matt Zollers to a couple of defensive veterans hardly seeing the field at all.
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks with the media on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in advance of a game at Vanderbilt. (Video by Mizzou Network, used with permission of Mizzou Athletics)
Mizzou quarterback Beau Pribula tears ankle ligaments, unlikely to return in 2025
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula faces long odds to return to action this season following his ankle injury suffered in the Tigers' Saturday loss to Vanderbilt.
While the team has not officially ruled him out for the 2025 regular season, imaging conducted Sunday revealed that Pribula tore three ligaments in his ankle, a source familiar with the results told the Post-Dispatch.
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks with the media on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, after a win at Auburn. (Video by Mizzou Network, used with permission of Mizzou Athletics)
Photos: No. 15 Mizzou loses QB, game vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea yells at an official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri kicker Robert Meyer (88) connects for a field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri tight end Brett Norfleet (87) is tripped up by Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard (8) during the first half of a game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) looks for a receiver as he's chased by Vanderbilt defensive lineman Zaylin Wood (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri wide receiver Joshua Manning is tackled by Vanderbilt safety Randon Fontenette and linebacker Langston Patterson (10) during the first half Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) dives for yardage as he's tackled by Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) avoids Missouri defensive lineman Sterling Webb (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Medical staff attend to Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea reacts to his defense making a goal line stand during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Medical staff assist Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) off the field after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) is driven off the field after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula is driven off the field after being injured during the second half against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs for yardage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander dives for yardage as he’s tackled by Missouri defensive end Zion Young (9) during the second half of a game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) dives over the Missouri defense for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with tight end Eli Stowers after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt offensive lineman Sterling Porcher reacts to the game ending during an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers (5) runs for yardage as he tries to avoid Vanderbilt safety Randon Fontenette (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers rolls out to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea argues a call with officials during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs for yardage past Vanderbilt linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
An official reviews a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Vanderbilt and Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) dives for the end zone ahead of Missouri defensive lineman Jalen Marshall (95) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard celebrates recovering a fumble with teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Beau Pribula's injury pushes freshman Matt Zollers into Mizzou QB spotlight
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the city of Dolly Parton, Missouri changed its quarterback guard. It was unwilling and unplanned.
But when Beau Pribula’s ankle popped out of place in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss to Vanderbilt, in came true freshman Matt Zollers. The quarterbacking mantle passed down the depth chart, from 9 to 5.
Photos: No. 15 Mizzou loses QB, game vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea yells at an official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri kicker Robert Meyer (88) connects for a field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri tight end Brett Norfleet (87) is tripped up by Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard (8) during the first half of a game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) looks for a receiver as he's chased by Vanderbilt defensive lineman Zaylin Wood (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri wide receiver Joshua Manning is tackled by Vanderbilt safety Randon Fontenette and linebacker Langston Patterson (10) during the first half Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) dives for yardage as he's tackled by Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia throws to a receiver during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) avoids Missouri defensive lineman Sterling Webb (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Medical staff attend to Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea reacts to his defense making a goal line stand during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Medical staff assist Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) off the field after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula (9) is driven off the field after being injured during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula is driven off the field after being injured during the second half against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs for yardage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander dives for yardage as he’s tackled by Missouri defensive end Zion Young (9) during the second half of a game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) dives over the Missouri defense for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates with tight end Eli Stowers after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt offensive lineman Sterling Porcher reacts to the game ending during an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers (5) runs for yardage as he tries to avoid Vanderbilt safety Randon Fontenette (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri quarterback Matt Zollers rolls out to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea argues a call with officials during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs for yardage past Vanderbilt linebacker Bryan Longwell (11) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
An official reviews a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Vanderbilt and Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (2) dives for the end zone ahead of Missouri defensive lineman Jalen Marshall (95) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Vanderbilt safety CJ Heard celebrates recovering a fumble with teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
