Greg McElroy uses Formula 1 analogy for new Mizzou assistants coaching Tiger QBs
By David Wasson
Published:
Although the Missouri Tigers will be retooling their offense around a new starter in 2026 after Beau Pribula graduated, college football analyst Greg McElroy feels good about the QB position with the Tigers moving forward.
Why? For starters, Austin Simmons transfers to Columbia from Ole Miss – where he will be joined by presumptive backup Matt Zollers. But more importantly, as McElroy pointed out, the quarterbacks will be coached by the combination of offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley.
“The guy that is now taking over, potentially, as the starting quarterback is Austin Simmons… who is pretty dang impressive,” McElroy said on his Always College Football podcast. “Imagine sitting there seeing two guys walk into the building, two of the brightest offensive minds in the country, are dedicated to your specific development.
“Learning how to drive essentially at quarterback while having Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the passenger seat is pretty dang helpful.”
Lindsey takes over the Mizzou offense after a one-year stint at offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Michigan. And Riley served as offensive coordinator at quarterbacks coach at Clemson for three seasons.
Simmons was the Ole Miss starter to begin the 2025 season before sustaining an ankle injury early in the campaign. He was replaced by Trinidad Chambliss, who helped lead the Rebels to their first College Football Championship berth. Simmons has two years of eligibility remaining.
Can the new Mizzou offense guide the Tigers to an SEC title? Kalshi is taking action on predictions!
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
