Spring break at Mizzou means a brief lull in activity, with spring practice behind them and the transfer portal not reopening for a few more weeks. However, head coach Eli Drinkwitz made sure to keep the excitement alive, making a bold statement about his current team. On SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum Show, he declared, “This is the most talented football team I’ve had at the University of Missouri.” While the statement may not have generated national buzz, it caught the attention of Tigers fans, especially considering the program’s recent success, including six NFL draft picks in 2023 and more potential first-rounders expected this spring.
Drinkwitz’s words raised some eyebrows, prompting fans to wonder if he was simply hyping up his team for the fanbase or genuinely excited about the talent in his program. Regardless of his intent, he elaborated on why he feels this year’s team has a shot at being the most talented during his tenure at Mizzou. His primary focus is the defense, which he believes could be the best he’s had since arriving at Missouri. Drinkwitz is especially thrilled with the talent acquired through the transfer portal, adding players like Jalen Catalon, Josiah Trotter, and Damon Wilson, who bring proven experience to every level of the defense.
The defense is certainly shaping up to be a strength for the Tigers. With notable additions, such as Catalon and Phillips, the safety position has become one of the team’s strongest, while the cornerbacks and linebackers also saw substantial upgrades. The defensive line, despite losing some key players, now includes fresh talent, notably from Georgia. With the additions of Damon Wilson and Darris Smith, Mizzou’s pass rush promises to be formidable. Drinkwitz’s assessment of the defense is optimistic, and while the team has yet to prove itself on the field, there’s significant reason for excitement.
As for the offense, Drinkwitz’s optimism is more cautious. While he praised the quarterback competition and new additions to the wide receiver and running back positions, he didn’t provide many specifics about how the offense is performing. He highlighted the arrival of transfer Kevin Coleman and freshman Ahmad Hardy as major boosts. However, the loss of key players like Luther Burden and Armand Membou means the offense may not be as talented across the board as it was in 2023, and the quarterback situation remains a significant question mark.
Overall, while Drinkwitz’s claim that this year’s roster is the most talented he’s coached may be up for debate, there’s no denying that Mizzou has a lot of talent heading into the 2025 season. The key will be whether Drinkwitz can harness that talent and turn it into on-field success. With an exciting defense and the potential for an improved offense, fans will be eager to see if this truly is Mizzou’s best team under Drinkwitz when the season kicks off.
