Missouri sticking with tradition in new NIL era

Missouri sticking with tradition in new NIL era originally appeared on The Sporting News

Eli Drinkwitz’s Tigers prove competition, not reputation, determines who sees the field.

Missouri football isn’t run on promises. It’s run on competition. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz made that clear when he said no player, no matter their star rating or NIL deal, walks into Columbia with guaranteed playing time. “It just means we’re giving everybody an opportunity to compete,” Drinkwitz said earlier this month.

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That philosophy has already shaped the depth chart.

At quarterback, Penn State transfer Beau Pribula arrived as a top-15 portal talent with a reported $1.5 million NIL package, per On3. Still, he wasn’t handed the job. Instead, he’s locked in a battle with Sam Horn that’s expected to last into Week 1.

Cornerback Stephen Hall came from Washington State with 14 career starts. Yet Drinkwitz made him split reps with returning corner Toriano Pride Jr., proving experience doesn’t equal entitlement.

Even at running back, Ahmad Hardy, who posted 1,351 yards as a freshman at Louisiana-Monroe, wasn’t simply crowned. He earned respect both on the field and in the locker room, blending seamlessly with veterans who once viewed him as competition.

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For Drinkwitz, it all ties back to culture. Players know the “brotherhood” is strongest when trust and respect are earned. The Tigers’ message is simple: everyone gets a fair chance, but no one gets a free pass.

And as Missouri prepares for kickoff, that mindset might be its greatest weapon.

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