In a significant development for their football program, the Missouri Tigers have secured the commitment of former Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula through the transfer portal. The sophomore signal-caller announced his decision to head to Columbia for the 2025 season, providing a major boost to head coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s roster.
Pribula, a former four-star recruit in the class of 2022, spent the past season backing up Drew Allar at Penn State. He saw action in several games, completing 26 of 35 passes for 275 yards and 5 touchdowns. The athletic 6’2″, 207-pound passer also made an impact with his legs, rushing for 242 yards and 4 scores.
CFP and Transfer Portal Timeline Issues
In announcing his transfer, Pribula cited what he called an “impossible decision” due to the “overlapping CFB playoff & transfer portal timeline.” The urgency for quarterbacks to find new homes in the portal clashed with Penn State’s preparation for their College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against SMU.
This (situation) made it impossible for me to accomplish everything I needed to academically and athletically while still pursuing my dreams and goals for the future.
Penn State head coach James Franklin expressed support for Pribula’s decision, calling it a “no-win situation” for the young quarterback given the circumstances. Pribula ultimately decided to enter the portal just hours before Allar announced he would return to PSU in 2025, and did not travel with the team for their playoff game.
Opportunity to Compete at Missouri
At Missouri, Pribula will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job right away. The Tigers are set to lose multi-year starter Brady Cook to graduation, leaving an opening under center. Pribula’s top competition looks to be transfer Drew Pyne, who came over from Arizona State and previously played at Notre Dame.
Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will likely look to take advantage of Pribula’s dual-threat abilities. At Penn State, he was often used as a change-of-pace rusher, including in a key win at Wisconsin when he filled in for an injured Allar. His passing skills showed promise in limited action as well.
Potential Long-Term Answer at QB
Landing a talent like Pribula is a major coup for Missouri as they look to climb the ranks of the always-challenging SEC. If he can seize the starting role, his dynamic skill set could transform Drinkwitz’s offense in the coming years.
- Athletic dual-threat passer
- Power 5 starting experience
- Former top QB recruit
Missouri fans will get their first look at Pribula in spring practice, where the competition between him and Pyne should be fierce. Regardless of how it shakes out, the Tigers look to be in good hands at the game’s most important position for the foreseeable future with the addition of Beau Pribula from Penn State.
