In a stunning turn of events, Missouri Tigers starting quarterback Beau Pribula is expected to start on Saturday against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman. This remarkable comeback comes just four weeks after he suffered a dislocated ankle that many believed would end his 2025 regular season.
The clearest indication of his availability came on Friday night when Pribula was removed from Missouri’s SEC-mandated availability report. This official move signals that he is good to go for the crucial road showdown against the Sooners.
The Injury and Rapid Recovery Timeline
The serious injury occurred on October 25 during the game against Vanderbilt. Team officials described it as a “non-fractured dislocated ankle.” At that time, the typical recovery window made a return before bowl season appear highly unlikely, and Missouri never publicly set a timetable for his return.
However, Pribula’s progression defied all expectations. Last week against Mississippi State, he was listed as doubtful on every report. He still participated in early pregame warmups on Faurot Field, running through non-contact drills with no visible brace, boot, or noticeable limp before being ruled out shortly before kickoff.
This week, his trajectory changed dramatically. On Wednesday, he was listed as doubtful. By Thursday, he was upgraded to questionable. The final confirmation came on Friday night when he was completely removed from the report, meaning he is available to play.
Coach Drinkwitz's Cautious Approach
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has maintained a consistent stance throughout this process. He has repeatedly stated that whenever Beau Pribula is healthy enough to play, he is Missouri’s starting quarterback.
Speaking on Tuesday, Drinkwitz emphasized a need for caution, specifically citing the aggressive nature of Oklahoma’s defense. “I think we will probably huddle as a group and make a call,” Drinkwitz said.
He further elaborated, “The very first thing, and the most important thing, is the student-athlete’s health and well-being. And playing against an elite defense, you don't want to put somebody out there who can't compete at the highest level. And knowing how aggressive and attacking they (Oklahoma) are, it would be a detriment to our team, and to Beau, to put him out there if he's not able to play up to his level.”
Backup Plan and Game Implications
Should any last-minute changes occur, which now seems highly unlikely based on the SEC report and Drinkwitz’s comments, true freshman Matt Zollers would make his third career start.
The return of Beau Pribula provides a massive boost for the Missouri Tigers. It gives them their undisputed leader under center for a pivotal road game that carries major implications for their bowl season prospects.
