Mizzou's preparations for the 2026 college football season are underway, with fans eager to see if the Tigers can maintain their recent success despite a challenging upcoming schedule. Under coach Eli Drinkwitz, they've won 29 games over the past three seasons, ranking fifth in the SEC, thanks to solid recruiting fueled by name, image, and likeness (NIL) funding. The key focus now is whether the offense, led by new quarterback Austin Simmons and a strong running game, can perform consistently amid numerous uncertainties. Meanwhile, the defense faces significant pressure following the loss of key players in the pass rush.

By the Numbers
  • Mizzou has won 29 games in the last three seasons, including bowl victories.
  • The Tigers' regular-season win total for 2026 is set at 6.5, with over at -140 and under at +114.
  • The team averaged 8 wins per season over the last three years.
  • Missouri ranked 17th in scoring defense in 2025.
State of Play
  • Missouri's offense is optimistic but has numerous uncertainties, particularly at quarterback.
  • The defense lost three key players, which may impact their pass rush significantly.
  • Mizzou faces a tougher schedule than previous years, including six opponents ranked above them in the SP+ metric.
  • Home-field advantage has historically favored the Tigers, with a 33-9 record under Drinkwitz at home.
What's Next

Mizzou's performance in crucial early games, particularly against Florida, will be instrumental in shaping their postseason prospects. If successful, the Tigers could challenge higher-ranked teams like Texas or Oklahoma, potentially setting the stage for a College Football Playoff run. If the offense falters, however, the team may need to rely heavily on their run game and defensive performance to secure wins.

Bottom Line

Missouri's 2026 season hinges on the offensive synergy between Simmons and his receiving corps; success could lead to a 10-win season and CFP discussions, while failure could result in a disappointing campaign with as few as four wins. The Tigers must navigate a hard schedule while leveraging their strong running game and improving defensive dynamics to achieve their goals.