With the college football transfer portal officially open, Mizzou wasted no time beginning to reach out to players.
QB Beau Pribula announced a couple weeks ago that he’d be hitting the portal this offseason, leaving quarterback as an important position the Tigers were looking into replacements for. Although the team has freshman Matt Zollers — who started a couple games this season — he’s still developing, and Missouri would ideally give him another year to fine tune his game before taking on full starter duties.
The Tigers have taken interest in three names at the position so far, looking into Ole Miss’ Austin Simmons, Florida’s DJ Lagway and Kennesaw State quarterback Amari Odom.
Lagway — who enters his third year of eligibility — had some struggles this season with the Gators, including a five interception game against LSU, but still appears as a top transfer option this offseason. He was competing in the SEC after all.
CBSSport’s Matt Zenitz reported that there was mutual interest between Lagway and Mizzou, along with Baylor, Louisville and Virginia, meaning the race is still wide open.
Lagway heading to Columbia would mean a two-year starter joining a better offensive line than he has had at Florida. This could be exciting for Mizzou fans and it would certainly bring in a lot of hype.
Kennesaw State’s Odom also could be a potential choice for the Tigers. As a sophomore with the Owls, he threw for 2,594 yards and 19 passing touchdowns earning all-conference honors. Odom helped lead Kennesaw State to a 10-4 overall record and a Sun Belt Championship.
According to a report from CBSSports, Odom has a visit planned to Columbia on Jan. 7. He’ll also be in Syracuse on Jan. 5.
This addition wouldn’t turn quite as many heads as that of a move from Lagway, but who knows, this could be the better move. Although Odom is in a less talented conference than Lagway, his numbers are superior.
The last, and arguably most realistic option, is Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons. Simmons announced that he would be entering the portal on Friday afternoon and it was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Missouri is the favorite to land him.
Only time will tell which route Drinkwitz and company takes but it will definitely play a big role as to what next season will look like for Mizzou Football.