Week 2 of the 2025 College Football season was more seismic than advertised. We saw major upsets in the top-25, the elite teams struggle to survive, and rivalries renewed. While many games played were more advertised to the masses, one game stole the spotlight.
The Border Showdown made its triumph return after a 14 year hiatus and did not miss a beat. The Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks are clashing again on the gridiron and the vibes are at an all time high in Columbia and Lawrence.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions with lead changes back and forth until the final nail in the coffin at the end. Mizzou gets to keep the drum and retains bragging rights until their rematch in Lawrence in 2026.
Mizzou came swinging out of the gate with an impressive drive with Ahmad Hardy leading the way to the endzone for an early touchdown. After a blocked PAT, the tone of the game switched fast.
The Tigers discovered the wrath of Jalon Daniels and what he is capable of when healthy. Kansas answered back with a touchdown of their own and followed up with an unfortunate scoop and score from a Beau Pribula fumble. Kansas finished the first quarter with a 21-6 lead that looked to be a spiraling turn of events for Mizzou.
Then came Beau Pribula.
Pribula took over the game and did not stop. He finished the day completing 30 passes on 39 attempts, 344 passing yards, 3 TD, and 0 INT. Pribula had his True Son moment very early in his Mizzou career and has solidified himself as a top SEC QB.
Ahmad Hardy is also the real deal. He ran the ball 25 times for 112 yards and the early TD. He is the missing threat this offense has missed and should be an X factor every week going forward.
Jamal Roberts also had himself a day rushing for 143 yards and the final TD that was the nail in the coffin.
The offense does not stop there. Freshman Donovan Olugbode had one of the best catches of the season on a very crucial 4th and 10 play. He is displaying raw talent that could replace Luther Burden sooner than fans expected.
The most impressive weapon on offense was transfer wide receiver Kevin Coleman. The St. Louis native showed the country why he is WR1 for Mizzou by dominating the Kansas secondary. He went for 126 yards and TD averaging 12.6 yards per catch.
Pribula is not short on receivers this year and it is being showcased early on.
This is a much better angle on the Donovan Olugbode catch. Fourth down by a freshman. Maybe not the biggest play of the game but the biggest wow play of the game. https://t.co/6Yq3i74bTv
— PowerMizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) September 7, 2025
A hidden gem of the game was Brett Norfleet. The veteran TE collected 7 catches for 76 yards for 2 TD and was clutch the entire game. His second TD on 4th and 1 was the most crucial play of the game and created an unhinged moment of excitment for Tigers fans.
Mizzou was extremely aggressive on 4th downs this game by going 4-5, and Norfleet was a big factor in this aggression that led the Tigers to the victory.
The Border Showdown added new lore to its gridiron classic on Saturday. Mizzou fans finally were able to sing Mr. Brightside at Faruot Field in front of some disappointed Jayhawk fans. The stadium has not quite seen it this loud and it is now an iconic moment that will be played time and time again in Columbia.
Enjoy this win Mizzou fans, this one was memorable. The season is no where near over so time to lock it back in for a playoff push. But this game and moment will live on in Columbia and will always be remembered.
Welcome back to the greatest rivalry in college sports: The Border War!