Cue the sounds of shattering glass, or perhaps the whomp whomp of a sad trombone. The dreams of a College Football Playoff berth are now down the drain for Mizzou. After a 38-17 loss at home to Texas A&M last weekend, the Tigers’ season has reached a turning point. A season that began with championship aspirations now requires recalibration.
The disappointing defeat at the hands of the Aggies was not just another mark in the loss column. It was a statement on where the Tigers stand in the SEC hierarchy
and what remains possible in the final month of the season. A clarification of the current reality which should force Eli Drinkwitz and his staff to shift their focus toward achievable goals that can still make 2025 meaningful.
Finish strong
At 6-3, Mizzou still has plenty to play for. A strong finish could land the Tigers in a quality bowl game and help restore confidence in a program that has shown flashes of potential but lacked consistency against top-tier opponents.
Momentum matters, not only for postseason position but also for recruiting and locker room morale. The Tigers can still finish with nine or even ten wins, depending on how they handle this final stretch. A bowl victory would provide a positive note to close out what has become a season of growing pains.
Every game from here on out serves as an opportunity to reestablish identity and discipline. The team that played Alabama to a three-point loss earlier this year still exists, albeit without their starting quarterback. The challenge is rediscovering that version of Mizzou and playing with a sense of purpose that transcends the standings.
Protect and develop
The most important story line of Mizzou’s final month centers on Matt Zollers. His physical talent is obvious, but his development must be handled with care. Unfortunately, the coaching staff has not, as of yet, built an offensive plan around him that will provide him the best chance of succeeding. After two weeks of preparation prior to the Texas A&M game, the Tiger offense leaned on deep routes and complex reads, forcing Zollers into long-developing plays behind an offensive line that struggled to protect him.
If Mizzou wants to build for 2026 and beyond, the approach must change. The game plan should simplify his reads, emphasize shorter throws, and establish rhythm early in games. Screens, slants and designed rollouts can help Zollers find success while limiting hits and avoiding negative plays.
Equally important is situational playcalling balance. The Tigers have become predictable, especially on second downs with long distances to go. The Aggie defense was easily able to anticipate pass-heavy tendencies on passing downs and run tendencies on early downs. Incorporating more running plays in passing situations could keep defenses honest and reduce pressure on Zollers.
The Tigers’ talented running backs are capable of carrying a heavier workload. Their success could help take the pressure off a young quarterback still learning to navigate SEC defenses.
The offensive line also needs schematic help. Quicker passes, motion and play-action could disguise protection issues and prevent Zollers from developing bad pocket habits. Too many hits and hurried throws will erode his confidence and technique. The coaching staff’s priority must be to protect Zollers physically and mentally as he grows into the role. Every snap should serve the dual purpose of competing to win now and preparing Zollers for the seasons ahead.
Building for 2026 starts now
The loss to Texas A&M also underscored a broader truth about college football. Sustained success depends on developing depth and giving young players real opportunities to grow. The Tigers have a promising group of underclassmen who need snaps to prepare for larger roles next season.
With playoff hopes gone, there is no reason to keep leaning so heavily on veterans who will not return in 2026. This stretch is a chance to build experience among the next wave of starters. These are not garbage-time reps, they are the foundation of next year’s team. Allowing young talent to learn through real competition accelerates development and gives coaches a better sense of what pieces they can rely on moving forward and what areas they will need to attack in the transfer portal come December.
The 2026 season may seem far away, but in reality, it begins now. The next month offers a live laboratory for growth, where the lessons learned in November can carry over into spring practices and fall camp next year.
This final month will define how 2025 is remembered. A team that folds after adversity would waste a season of potential. A team that fights, adjusts and finishes strong can still leave its mark and set the stage for what comes next.
Mizzou’s goals have changed, but the mission remains. Compete. Improve. Build. The road to 2026 redemption begins now, one game at a time.
