Power ranking the SEC in 2025 preseason: #11 - Missouri
It's hard to have the Tigers this low, in all honesty, but given that they had a relatively disappointing season last year and that they lose their QB, top receiver, and top running back, you have to think they're going to take a step back. Eli Drinkwitz did a great job in the portal to pick up some more talent at the skill positions, but like I said earlier, making it all come together is a different task entirely.
Snagging Kevin Coleman and Ahmad Hardy should give the Tigers some juice at running back and receiver, but breaking in a new quarterback in Beau Pribula will lead to some growing pains. The upside is that the defense could be far improved with the addition of Damon Wilson and Jalen Catalon from the transfer portal, despite the loss of former five-star Williams Nwaneri.
Even so, there are still a lot of questions surrounding this team. They'll have an easy first three games, but the rubber will meet the road when they host South Carolina in game four (somehow, again, by the way, they don't play a road game until October when they visit Auburn). Alabama coming to town won't be easy, either.
The schedule overall shows that the Tigers could get back to nine wins, but even if they do, it will feel disappointing to Tiger fans if they are unable to win one of their big games (against South Carolina, Alabama, or Texas A&M). Add in a possible loss on the road to Auburn or Vandy and the Tiger faithful could have Drinkwitz on the hot seat even if they go 8-4.