Dodgers Pitcher Gives up MLB, Earns Starting Job at SEC College Football Program

Missouri fans have plenty to be excited about heading into the season, with the quarterback competition heating up right from the start. Coach Eli Drinkwitz emphasized, “I informed the team this afternoon that both quarterbacks will play in the first game.” The approach is patient and thoughtful, showing the coaching staff’s commitment to letting performance and leadership guide the choice. And in the midst of that choice are two quarterbacks. Both of whom will be taking the gridiron for the first game. Yes, you read that right.

Missouri fans have something exciting to look forward to this season. Eli Drinkwitz confirmed they’re planning to play both Sam Horn and Beau Pribula in the season opener against Central Arkansas. He was pretty clear about it, saying, “If we feel like there’s no clear-cut decision, I’m not going to force the decision.” Instead, both will get reps so the coaches can see who’s ready to lead the team. Drinkwitz added, “I want to see them in a game-day situation to make a final determination,” which shows just how open and patient they’re being with this QB battle.

There’s Sam Horn, who might have one of the most unique stories in college football right now. He was actually drafted by the Dodgers but decided to put that on hold and return to Missouri for one more year as a quarterback. It’s not that he’s given up on baseball, more like paused it, but it sounds like football is where his heart is right now. As per reports, he has already signed an above slot contract of $497,500 and was selected as the overall 525th pick in the 7th round of the draft. Drinkwitz talked about Horn’s rare athletic profile, saying, “I challenged them after Saturday’s scrimmage and I think they’ve been the best they’ve been the past three days,” Horn’s decision to come back and compete for that starting job speaks volumes about his commitment to both himself and the team.

On the other side, Beau Pribula, transferring in from Penn State, brings a steady presence to the mix. Drinkwitz said, “So I think those guys have displayed an elite level of leadership and the last three days have really embraced not making it about them and more about the team. I feel very comfortable with both of those guys.” It’s clear that both quarterbacks have real opportunities this season. With Sam Horn’s electric athleticism and Pribula’s poise, Missouri’s QB race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stories heading into the season.

So, as Missouri gears up to take on Central Arkansas on 28th August, we will be in for a refreshing competition among QBs. Whether it’s Horn’s athletic spark or Pribula’s steady leadership, Missouri fans can feel confident that their quarterback will be someone who’s earned that role.

The Weight of a QB Choice

Eli Drinkwitz didn’t hide behind cliches when asked about Missouri’s quarterback battle. He admitted the very thing most coaches won’t. “This has been something that’s kept me up every night and wakes me up in the morning,” he said, pulling back the curtain on how much the Beau Pribula vs. Sam Horn decision has gnawed at him. It’s rare to see a head coach so openly acknowledge the pressure, but Drinkwitz made it clear that this battle defines the entire season.

What’s made his handling of the situation stand out is the deliberate transparency. Rather than stringing fans along or kicking the decision down the road, he set a hard timeline. “We’ll have a decision and talk to both these guys here in the next 24 hours about what we’re going to do,” Drinkwitz announced on Tuesday, all but promising closure before the team’s final fall scrimmage. That timeline has now been extended since both QBs will play the first game against Central Arkansas.

At the same time, he hasn’t allowed himself to be baited into gimmicks. When pressed on the possibility of a two-QB system, Drinkwitz waved it away with a smile: “Y’all are into hypotheticals now.” Mind you, the first game does not mean that he has accepted the gimmick. There will be a decision after the first game. Drinkwitz won’t pull a Tim Tebow/Chris Leak like Dan Mullen did and is trying to do again. He refuses to overcomplicate things. In a battle that’s stretched into the dog days of August, Drinkwitz has handled the choices with a mix of candor, structure, and just enough steel to remind everyone that, in the end, only one voice can pull the trigger.