Fall camp is officially here. Our Tigers reported to campus on Monday, July 28, kicking off preparations exactly one month out from the August 28 season opener against Central Arkansas at Faurot Field. The headline storylines as camp opens: an unsettled quarterback competition, head coach Eli Drinkwitz moving into the dorms alongside his players, and a concerning setback for projected starting right tackle Josh Atkins.
The Rundown
- Mizzou reported for fall camp Monday, July 28 — one month before the opener vs. Central Arkansas (Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. CT at Faurot Field)
- Drinkwitz has moved into the dorms with the team and says there’s no timetable for naming a starting quarterback
- Projected right tackle Josh Atkins (Arizona State transfer) suffered a setback in his leg injury rehab and may miss the start of the season
- Running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to make a full recovery and play in 2026
Drinkwitz Moves In — Literally
Drinkwitz isn’t just running camp this year; he’s living it. The head coach has taken a dorm room alongside his players as the team settles in for the grind of August. It’s a small gesture, but it says something about the tone he wants to set in year seven: this roster, rebuilt heavily through the portal, needs to come together fast, and the head man is planting himself in the middle of it.
The Quarterback Question, Again
For the fourth straight year, our Tigers open camp without a named starter at quarterback. Drinkwitz says there’s no timetable for a decision — his line is that when the quarterback is ready, he’ll show himself to the team. Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons headlines the competition, and how quickly this battle resolves may be the single biggest factor in how ready this offense looks on August 28. New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has a month to figure out who runs his show.
Injury Watch: Atkins Setback, Hardy on Track
The toughest news of the week is up front. Josh Atkins, the Arizona State transfer with more than 2,400 career snaps who was penciled in at right tackle, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a spring leg injury. Drinkwitz indicated Atkins will be out longer than expected and may not be ready for the start of the season. With the left-handed Simmons in the QB mix, right tackle is potentially the blindside spot — so eyes turn to Mississippi State transfer Luke Work and veteran Logan Reichert as the top options. The better news: Drinkwitz expects running back Ahmad Hardy to make a full recovery and play this season.
The Takeaway
Camp opening day delivered the full 2026 picture in miniature: real optimism about a portal-loaded roster, real questions at quarterback, and a right tackle situation that just became the position battle to watch. One month to sort it out. Buckle up, Tiger fans.
Sources: Sports Illustrated — Missouri Tigers On SI, 247Sports / PowerMizzou, Columbia Missourian
