Just In : National attention has been drawn to Missouri’s success under Eli Drinkwitz, as the Tigers are rising in the rankings and emerging as a serious contender in

Just In: National attention has been drawn to Missouri’s success under Eli Drinkwitz, as the Tigers are rising in the rankings and emerging as a serious contender in the 2025 college football playoff race. What once began as a quiet resurgence in Columbia has now erupted into one of the most talked-about stories of the season, with the Tigers firmly planting themselves among the elite programs in the country. After years of inconsistency and middle-of-the-pack finishes, Missouri is suddenly one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC, playing with confidence, physicality, and an identity that reflects the vision of their head coach.

Eli Drinkwitz, now in his fifth season at the helm, has engineered a dramatic transformation that few outside the program could have predicted. Building his roster with a mix of homegrown talent, high-impact transfers, and top-20 recruiting classes, he has created a team that is balanced, explosive, and fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball. Missouri’s offense has become one of the most creative in the conference, using tempo and misdirection to keep defenses guessing, while the defense has developed a reputation for being fast, opportunistic, and relentless in pursuit. The result has been a brand of football that is both entertaining and effective, drawing praise from analysts across the nation.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Missouri’s rise is the team’s ability to win big games against ranked opponents. Already this season, the Tigers have defeated two top-10 teams, including a thrilling overtime victory that many believe signaled their arrival as a legitimate playoff threat. Their performance in hostile road environments has been equally impressive, showing a level of maturity and composure that had been missing in previous seasons. These statement wins have not only boosted Missouri’s ranking but also reshaped how they are perceived by pollsters, fans, and rival programs.

At the center of this success is the development of quarterback Tyler Brooks, a junior who has emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the nation. Brooks’ dual-threat ability has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his leadership has galvanized a locker room that now believes it can compete with anyone. Complementing Brooks is a dominant rushing attack and a deep receiving corps that can stretch the field in multiple ways. On defense, linebacker Mason Green and safety Jordan Ellis have become the backbone of a unit that thrives on turnovers and big plays.

The Tigers’ surge is also a testament to the culture that Drinkwitz has built within the program. Practices are competitive and intense, accountability is emphasized, and every player understands their role within the team’s larger mission. This renewed sense of purpose has fostered a winning mindset that has carried over into game days, where Missouri plays with discipline and resilience regardless of the circumstances. It’s a stark contrast from past seasons, when the Tigers often struggled to close out close games or rise to the occasion against stronger opponents.

National media outlets have taken notice, with Missouri now featured prominently in playoff projections and weekly power rankings. The Tigers’ climb has also energized their fan base, leading to sold-out crowds at Faurot Field and a surge in national television appearances. With each passing week, the conversation shifts from whether Missouri is for real to how far they can go if they continue their current trajectory. There is growing belief that this could be a historic season for the program, one that redefines its place in the modern college football landscape.

As the regular season enters its most crucial stretch, Missouri’s path to the playoff remains challenging, with key matchups against conference heavyweights still ahead. Yet, the Tigers have already proven they belong on the national stage, and their blend of talent, coaching, and momentum makes them a team no one wants to face. Whether they ultimately reach the College Football Playoff or not, Missouri’s rise under Eli Drinkwitz is one of the most compelling stories of the year — and it may just be the beginning of something even bigger in Columbia.