Through the first six games of the 2026 season, the Missouri Tigers have reminded the SEC—and the rest of college football—why Eli Drinkwitz’s program remains a consistent contender in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Sitting at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in SEC play as of mid-October, the No. 13 Tigers have blended explosive offense, a stifling defense, and the familiar grind-it-out identity that has defined Drinkwitz’s tenure in Columbia. They are undefeated at Faurot Field (4-0), have already notched signature wins over ranked and Power conference foes, and enter a critical stretch with genuine momentum.
A Strong Start with One Setback
Missouri opened the year with businesslike victories: a 54-14 thrashing of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a 38-21 road win in the Border War at Kansas, and a 27-17 home decision over Troy. The only blemish came on Sept. 26 at then-No. 24 Mississippi State, a 31-24 loss in which the Bulldogs’ passing attack (360 yards) exposed some early vulnerabilities.
The Tigers responded emphatically. On Oct. 3, they dismantled then-No. 8 Florida 45-17 in Columbia, racking up 560 total yards in a statement performance. The following week, they limited Texas A&M to just 6 points and 216 total yards in a 27-6 victory, holding the Aggies without a touchdown. Those two wins vaulted Missouri into the top 15 and solidified their place in the SEC standings alongside Tennessee and Mississippi State.
The Workhorses: Simmons and Roberts
Transfer quarterback Austin Simmons, a transfer from Ole Miss, has been the steady hand under center. Through six games he has thrown for roughly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns with just one interception, completing passes at a high clip and distributing the ball to a deep group of receivers. His chemistry with Ole Miss transfer Cayden Lee (nearly 600 receiving yards) and Donovan Olugbode has given the offense a reliable vertical threat.
But the heartbeat of this team remains the ground game. Senior running back Jamal Roberts has emerged as a true workhorse, surging past 800 rushing yards with multiple 200-yard outbursts. He ran for a career-high 211 yards and three scores against Florida, then followed with 222 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries against Texas A&M. With All-American Ahmad Hardy still recovering from an offseason injury, Roberts has carried the load with toughness and vision that embody the Missouri brand.
Defense Setting the Tone
Defensive coordinator Corey Batoon’s unit has been equally impressive. Batoon is a former Ole Miss assistanr.
Missouri ranks among the nation’s better defenses in points allowed (17.7 per game) and is especially stout against the run (under 80 yards per game allowed). The front seven has generated pressure—Donta Simpson has been a disruptive force inside—while the secondary has forced turnovers. The Texas A&M game was a masterclass: the Aggies managed just two first downs through three quarters.
The lone defensive hiccup came in Starkville, but the unit’s ability to bounce back has been a hallmark of the season.
Looking Ahead
Drinkwitz, in his seventh year, continues to push for more. The Tigers face a brutal remaining slate that includes a trip to No. 9 Ole Miss this Saturday, followed by road games at Arkansas and No. 1 Georgia, plus home dates against Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. A strong finish could position Missouri for another double-digit win season and a serious College Football Playoff conversation.
For now, the Tigers have already answered questions about their identity after significant roster turnover. They are physical, opportunistic, and dangerous at home. In a conference defined by parity and chaos, Missouri sits squarely in the mix—proof that the Drinkwitz era still has plenty of bite left in it.