Eli Drinkwitz Future at Missouri: NIL & Coaching Rumors

Coach Eli Drinkwitz at the Crossroads of Missouri Football

As the college football coaching carousel spins wildly, Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz finds himself at the center of a storm. The 42-year-old coach—who has revitalized the Tigers program—faces intense speculation linking him to major openings at LSU, Auburn, Florida, and Penn State. With his team preparing for a critical matchup against Oklahoma on November 23, Drinkwitz addressed the swirling rumors head-on.

"This Stuff Is Just a Distraction"

Last week, Drinkwitz publicly dismissed the persistent job rumors as "message board chatter" and "tweets." He emphasized his unwavering focus on Missouri's current season, noting how narratives shift weekly—"last week, people were tired of me because I couldn't win the big game. This week, it's a different story." His record speaks volumes: a 45-27 overall mark, 25-23 in SEC play, and six consecutive bowl appearances.

"We absolutely love Mizzou. We love what we're building,"
— Eli Drinkwitz

The Hidden Hurdle: NIL Funding and Corporate Backing

Beyond the rumors lies a deeper challenge: competing with SEC elite in the NIL era. Drinkwitz revealed that Missouri faces programs with "larger NIL budgets" and openly urged the state's eight Fortune 500 companies to invest in the program. "We've got all these Fortune 500 companies, and not a single one advertises in this building," he told SEC Network's Tom Hart. While two companies (Edward Jones and Centene/Ambetter) currently partner with Mizzou, Drinkwitz believes untapped potential exists—especially as third-party NIL deals face new guardrails requiring approval for sums over $600. Corporate partnerships offer a compliant, high-impact revenue stream for top-tier recruits.

Competing Against the SEC's Haves

Drinkwitz's transfer portal strategy is undeniable—landing stars like Ahmad Hardy (SEC rushing leader) and securing the nation's 7th-best 2025 transfer class. Yet he candidly admitted: "More is still more, and until there's a cap on it, I mean, don't we want every advantage that we can possibly get?" His comments underscore a reality: Missouri's resources pale compared to Alabama, Georgia, or Texas. Without significant NIL influx, retaining blue-chip recruits like freshmen Donovan Olugbode and Matt Zollers becomes "wishful thinking."

What's Next for Drinkwitz and Missouri?

Drinkwitz signed a contract extension through 2029 this summer, but his $9 million salary might not be enough to anchor him. With eight Power Five jobs open, the coach's future hinges on Missouri's ability to bridge the funding gap. A win over Oklahoma could solidify his standing, but sustained success requires more than just coaching prowess—it demands corporate alignment. As Drinkwitz put it: "This is all new. I'm just asking... if you're a Mizzou grad in that company... we would love to join in with some NIL opportunities." The Tigers' ability to land Fortune 500 backing may determine whether Missouri keeps its architect or watches him ride the coaching carousel elsewhere.