As college football barrels toward the midseason point, few storylines are as surprising — or as compelling — as what’s happening in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers are undefeated, and at the heart of their unexpected surge are two transfers who arrived with more questions than answers. Quarterback Beau Pribula and running back Ahmad Hardy were unheralded additions back in the offseason, but five games into the 2025 campaign, they might just be the most underrated quarterback-running back duo in the country.
Pribula and Hardy Are Taking Missouri’s Offense to New Heights
From Rebuild to Reload: Missouri’s Unexpected Offensive Identity
After a 10–3 finish in 2024, Missouri was staring down massive roster turnover. Gone were household names like quarterback Brady Cook, star receiver Luther Burden, and offensive linemen Armand Membou and Marcus Bryant. Many expected a step back, perhaps a full-blown rebuild. But instead of panic, head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff used the transfer portal wisely, bringing in talent that not only filled the gaps but reshaped the team’s identity.
Pribula, a transfer from Penn State, and Hardy, a former standout at Louisiana Monroe, were both seen as role players or depth options at best. Now, they’re the heartbeat of an offense that’s producing, winning, and turning heads.
Beau Pribula: From Backup to Breakout Star
Pribula’s arrival was met with curiosity. He had spent three seasons at Penn State, mostly backing up Drew Allar, and had very little game tape to evaluate. Still, there were flashes of a strong arm, excellent mobility, and poise under pressure which are all traits that Drinkwitz believed could translate.
When projected starter Sam Horn went down with a season-ending injury in camp, the job was handed to Pribula. Earned seems to be the right word after his play from week 1 until now. All he’s done since then is thrive. Through five games, Pribula has been remarkably efficient and productive, showcasing his dual-threat ability with poise in the pocket and explosiveness on the ground. His completion percentage hovers near the top nationally, and he’s taking care of the football. He’s been doing this while engineering an undefeated start against tough competition. The competition only gets tougher in a loaded SEC but he will have plenty of opportunities to continue showing he’s legit.
It’s not just about the numbers, though. Pribula’s presence has brought confidence to a team that could have easily unraveled under the weight of offseason turnover.
Ahmad Hardy: From Small School to SEC Star
While Pribula’s background at a Power Five program at least gave him name recognition, Hardy entered the SEC as a complete unknown to many fans. Coming from Louisiana Monroe, the jump in competition was significant. Questions surrounded whether Hardy’s impressive stats at the Group of Five level would translate against the defensive lines of the SEC.
So far, Hardy has silenced every doubter.
Through five games, Hardy has been nothing short of spectacular. His vision, patience, and ability to break tackles have made him one of the most productive backs in the country. He’s shown an elite ability to pick up chunk yardage while also wearing down defenses with a physical, punishing running style. Even against top-tier opponents, he’s delivered consistent performances and has emerged as a Heisman dark horse for those truly paying attention. He’s been the engine that ignites the fire for this team. He helps out Pribula as much as Pribula helps him. Perfect yin to his yang.
Perfect Balance: Why Their Chemistry Works
What makes Pribula and Hardy so dangerous isn’t just individual talent — it’s the way they complement each other. Pribula’s ability to spread the field vertically forces defenses to respect the pass, opening running lanes for Hardy. Conversely, Hardy’s consistent ground threat draws extra attention to the box, creating favorable passing matchups and play-action opportunities for Pribula.
This balance has made Missouri’s offense incredibly difficult to predict. When one guy gets going, the other feeds off the momentum. It’s a symbiotic relationship that few teams in the country can replicate right now.
A New Era in Columbia?
Missouri’s ability to find success through the portal is a sign of where the program is headed. Drinkwitz has built a reputation as a strong recruiter, but this year has shown he’s also an evaluator — someone who can find value in overlooked places and develop it into elite production.
Pribula and Hardy aren’t just thriving individually — they’ve become the foundation of what Missouri hopes will be a historic season. If the Tigers continue to win and remain in the College Football Playoff conversation, this duo will no longer be under the radar. They’ll be front and center in the national spotlight.
The Heisman Watch Begins
While there’s still a lot of football left to play, the whispers have already begun. Both Pribula and Hardy are generating Heisman buzz, and deservedly so. Pribula’s efficiency and leadership have made Missouri’s offense one of the most balanced in the conference. Hardy’s rushing stats and game-changing impact in key moments make him a legitimate contender in his own right.
Whether or not either player ends up in New York as a finalist, their presence has redefined Missouri’s ceiling in 2025. In a league dominated by high-profile quarterback play, and in a sport where SEC running backs are routinely among the nation’s best, these two have found a way to stand out in both categories — together.
Final Thoughts
Pribula and Hardy might not have been household names when they arrived at Missouri, but that’s quickly changing. Their connection, leadership, and playmaking ability have not only led the Tigers to an undefeated start, they’ve also injected new life into a program that easily could’ve regressed after major roster losses. This duo could stay together even past this year, giving the Tigers even more hope for the future, but their time might actually be now.
Call them underrated. Call them overachievers. Just don’t ignore them. If Missouri keeps winning, this QB-RB combo won’t just be the best kept secret in college football, they’ll be leading an unexpected playoff contender.
Main Image: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
