As time begins to dwindle towards Week 1, when Missouri will take on Central Arkansas, fall camp is flying by, and we are starting to learn valuable information about how each position group is looking, in terms of talent level and depth. However, one position group stands out with questions galore, and that is the most important position on the field: quarterback.

As we creep towards week two of fall camp, Beau Pribula, the Penn State transfer, and Sam Horn, 3 three-year veteran and former high school QB of Travis Hunter, continue to duel it out to decide who will be the starter. Eli Drinkwitz has gone on record, saying, “Both guys have done some amazing things, and some really stupid things.” This battle will likely continue towards the end of fall camp, and it’s even a possibility that Mizzou will be without an official starter in week 1.

For the next week, I will be giving my prediction on how each position group will perform this season, and it just so happens that I’m starting with the hardest one to break down. I’ll inspect the strengths and weaknesses of the room, mention the supporting cast, and hopefully, when the season ends, these predictions will be precise.

QB preseason letter grade, C+

• This grade honestly may be seen as harsh, or maybe to some even generous, so I’ve decided to meet in the middle and try to give a very conservative score in the high 70s. So, why not a higher grade? I think what is keeping this from being higher is simply the unknown of who will start, while also having to fill the shoes of a consistent quarterback in Brady Cook. Cook amassed 5,852 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions over the past two years, on top of being a dual-threat guy, especially at the goal line. Cook was by no stretch perfect, and he did take a slight decline last season, but he was the leader of the offense and a steady presence that is not easy to replace.

Whoever steps up as the starter doesn’t have the same luxury as Brady Cook, who got the opportunity to throw to Luther Burden, Theo Wease, and Mookie Cooper. Now, that’s not to diminish the receiver room currently, which can be expected to be a potential strength of this team, but the receiver room is the group that lost the most. 

You then also have to factor in the truth that there is not a QB on this roster who has played SEC football. Pribula didn’t get much of an opportunity last season at Penn State, as he was stuck behind Heisman hopeful Drew Allar. Despite that, Pribula did receive sparse playing time and also did an outstanding job against Wisconsin, where he went 11-13, with 98 yards and a touchdown. 

Sam Horn has spent three seasons as a Tiger, but has yet to receive a shot as the starter. He made a run for the job in 2023, but lost out to Cook, and did not have an opportunity last season, as he went through surgery on his elbow that left him on the sidelines. Horn displays the measurables, arm strength, and great touch, but the question lingers if he can be the guy to win when it counts. Matt Zollers is likely going to be QB3, but as a true freshman, he hasn’t received a single snap in a game setting. Eli has given the youngster praise, but has also remarked that he would have to have a heck of a fall camp to gun for the starting job.

So those are the things that can degrade this position group, but what can elevate it? I think the area that screams at people at face value is simply the depth. God forbid the starter goes down with an injury, Missouri likely has a suitable backup, for the first time in a while. Overall, it’s the most talented the room has been, at least in terms of high school ratings. 

Another thing that can excite fans is the upside of the room. Beau Pribula has shown his capability as a runner, but has also shown capability as a passer and can improvise, which is an important trait in today’s game. 

Horn has a spectacular touch on the football, and he simply is built like a quarterback. He knows the system, he has shown willingness to run, and this could help him move into that starting role this season. 

Matt Zollers is a high-end 4-star prospect who was sought after by many top power 4 schools and has by far the most live arm in the room. While he may not play much this season, it’s helpful to know that you have an elite talent in Zollers if you need to call him in. Zollers, if he develops well, is going to be the quarterback of the future for this team.

I think a fair overall expectation of the QB room is that it will be solid, but likely not elite. I will break it down in our running back breakdown piece, but I’d expect this to be a run-heavy team that uses play action often, as well as designed QB runs. I would expect solid QB play, but it’s going to be a bumpy road with mistakes littered in. Overall, a solid room, but not the best piece of this team.