# Missouri Tigers football under Eli Drinkwitz

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/missouri-tigers-football-under-eli-drinkwitz
> Updated: 2026-08-02T19:06:45.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz used SEC Media Days to note that star running back Ahmad Hardy was expected to return within five to eight weeks after a gunshot wound, while right tackle Josh Atkins dealt with a lingering lower‑leg injury. He also speculated that former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn’s appointment to the College Football Playoff selection committee could influence Malzahn’s future coaching prospects.

A week later the 2026 schedule was released, highlighting matchups against Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and several SEC foes. Analysts pointed to Missouri’s historical difficulty against ranked teams – a 7‑19 record versus top‑25 opponents and an 0‑5 mark in the most recent season – and questioned whether the Tigers could secure a signature win against elite SEC programs such as Alabama.

By early August, Drinkwitz reported that Hardy had been medically cleared after his offseason shooting but would not yet practice, remaining in rehab and walk‑throughs with a status review expected in about two weeks. He also welcomed the return of running back Sterling Webb, noting the program would support Webb through his ongoing court case and integrate him gradually. Drinkwitz referenced a recent Colorado court ruling that could affect Missouri’s ability to add players, describing it as another legal challenge the program must navigate amid broader changes in COVID disruptions, NIL and transfer rules.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Missouri Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz gives fall camp updates

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz said Ahmad Hardy is medically cleared but not yet practicing, welcomed back Sterling Webb amid a court case, and discussed a Colorado ruling that may impact player recruitment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-tigers-coach-eli-drinkwitz-gives-fall-camp-updates

### 2026-07-31: Missouri Tigers Football Schedule and Coach Drinkwitz’s SEC Struggles

Missouri Tigers’ 2026 schedule includes key SEC games, while coach Eli Drinkwitz seeks to overcome a 7‑19 record against ranked opponents, a point highlighted by analyst Paul Finebaum.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-tigers-football-schedule-and-coach-drinkwitzs-sec-struggles

### 2026-07-22: Missouri Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz discusses injuries and CFP outlook at SEC Media Days

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz updated on Ahmad Hardy’s recovery, Josh Atkins’ setback, and his CFP views, noting Gus Malzahn’s new committee role at SEC Media Days.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/missouri-tigers-coach-eli-drinkwitz-discusses-injuries-and-cfp-outlook-at-sec-media-days

---
Cite as: Missouri Tigers football under Eli Drinkwitz. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/missouri-tigers-football-under-eli-drinkwitz