Eli Drinkwitz never gave us a clear answer on who he thought was going to lead Mizzou at the quarterback position this fall, other than it was going to be a battle in week 1 against Central Arkansas.
That battle came to a close much quicker than anyone could have thought Thursday night, when Tiger veteran Sam Horn exited the game with a lower leg injury on his first play from scrimmage.
Drinkwitz confirmed Pribula would start the first half, then give way to Horn in the second. However, he appeared sooner than originally planned, entering on the second play and running a quarterback draw up the middle, ending in injury.
A tough, brutal break for Horn, who has been haunted by injuries in his Mizzou tenure. It's still unknown how long he'll miss, but Tiger fans are hopeful to see him again soon, though he was seen in a boot before the game came to an end Thursday night.
Update: #Mizzou QB Sam Horn was spotted in a full leg cast in the tunnel.
— Zach Sweet (@ByZachSweet) August 29, 2025
He was hit low on a 6-yard rush in the first half, went to the tent, then limped to the locker room. He did not return to the sideline before halftime. pic.twitter.com/19TFmpRhQy
As for the Penn State transfer Pribula, he answered the call and ran away with his opportunity.
His first pass as a Tiger found the speedy Marquis Johnson for a 49 yard touchdown. Later on in the second quarter, Pribula showed off his legs escaping from pressure in the pocket, taking off for a 31 yard touchdown. Pribula found tight-end Brett Norfleet in the back of the endzone to end the half, giving Mizzou a 26-0 lead.
In his final drive of the night, Pribula rushed in a touchdown from a yard out after once again finding Marquis Johnson deep downfield to set them up.
Although it's only week 1, Pribula silenced some noise surrounding his arm. Many questioned his downfield accuracy, which he put to the test with his first launch. Pribula finished his night 23/28, with 283 yards and four total touchdowns.
An intriguing debut, to say the least.
It always seems the talk goes from August football to January football every year after week 1. Fans either think the sky is falling, or they can contend for the College Football Playoff. The quarterback position is the most vital position on a football team. It seems as though fans can rest at least a little easier after seeing Pribula's Mizzou debut.
Most fans should recieve very optimistic now, as the 2025-26 journey has begun.
There's always a first time for everything... so why not this be the season Mizzou makes its mark and shocks the college football world? Why not Beau Pribula being a dark horse candidate for Offensive Player of the Year in the SEC, or make a Heisman run?
All these questions will get answered as time goes on, but it sure is an exciting time to be a Tiger fan.