Missouri Football Faces Easiest 2025 Schedule Amid Key Player Losses

The 2025 college football season brings notable changes and optimistic outlooks for several teams. Midwestern State Mustangs aim to improve upon their 4-7 record from 2024, with key returning players like quarterback Andrew Knebel and top receiver Demonte Greene expected to boost their offense under second-year head coach Rich Renner. Meanwhile, the Missouri Valley Football Conference experiences significant transitions with multiple new head coaches and starting quarterbacks, prompting a sense of uncertainty but also opportunity across the league. The Missouri Tigers football team, under coach Eli Drinkwitz, faces offensive challenges due to new starters but benefits from the addition of explosive transfer running back Ahmad Hardy and a relatively soft non-conference schedule, which could enhance their playoff chances despite roster turnover. SEC teams such as Missouri, Tennessee, and Ole Miss have strategically scheduled easier out-of-conference games, aiming to secure strong overall records to increase their College Football Playoff prospects amid tough conference competition. This trend underscores a shift in scheduling philosophy where securing wins may be prioritized over strength of schedule in the expanded playoff era.