Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz is balancing two major conversations this week: the Tigers’ need for stronger NIL support and growing speculation linking him to open SEC jobs. Drinkwitz addressed both issues directly, making it clear that his focus remains on Missouri’s future—on and off the field.
During his press conference, Eli Drinkwitz acknowledged that Missouri’s current NIL resources are not competitive with top SEC programs. He urged major Missouri-based companies, including the state’s 11 Fortune 500 firms, to take a more active role in supporting student-athletes.
“We provide those companies with a lot of workers, so it would be awesome if we got to see some reciprocal investments,” Drinkwitz said. He added that Fortune 500 partnerships could streamline NIL deals, making them easier to approve and more reliable for athletes. “The No. 1 way to get through NIL GO is a Fortune 500 company,” he emphasized.
Missouri ranks 10th in the SEC in average NIL value per player at $88,000, according to Rivals. Drinkwitz believes increased corporate backing is essential for the Tigers to keep pace in an increasingly competitive NIL era.
At the same time, Eli Drinkwitz pushed back against coaching rumors linking him to openings at Arkansas, Florida, LSU, and Auburn. The Missouri coach dismissed the speculation as “just a distraction,” saying his focus remains on his team and the season ahead.
“I’ve signed multiple extensions. I signed one this past summer,” Drinkwitz said. “All the speculation is really a tribute to our team’s success. That’s where my focus is going to remain.”
Under his leadership, Missouri is 45–27 since 2020, with back-to-back double-digit win seasons and five straight bowl-eligible campaigns. Drinkwitz previously served as Auburn’s quarterbacks coach and led Appalachian State to a 12–1 season before joining Missouri.
The Tigers sit at 7–3 overall and 3–3 in SEC play, ranked No. 22 nationally. They now face a pivotal Week 13 road matchup against long-time rival Oklahoma (8–2) before closing the regular season at Arkansas.
As both NIL challenges and coaching rumors intensify, Eli Drinkwitz remains firm: Missouri’s future success depends on stability, support and staying focused on the field.
