Talk about a brutal start! Missouri’s dual-threat QB Sam Horn, also a Dodgers draft pick, saw his season potentially end on his very first play. One snap, one devastating injury. What does this mean for Mizzou’s quarterback battle and Horn’s future in both football and baseball? This is a story you won’t want to miss.

The highly anticipated college football season took a cruel turn for Missouri quarterback Sam Horn, a promising dual-sport athlete and a recent Dodgers draft pick, as his season was potentially derailed by a devastating knee injury on his very first snap. This sudden and unfortunate incident has sent ripples through the Mizzou football program, immediately altering the team’s quarterback dynamics and raising questions about Horn’s future in both football and baseball.

The critical moment unfolded early in Missouri’s season opener. Horn, who had been actively battling for the starting quarterback position, entered the game around the five-minute mark of the first quarter. On a designed run play, he scrambled for six yards, but the play concluded with a Central Arkansas defender making helmet-to-knee contact, leaving Horn immediately in agony. He remained down on the field before being assisted off, unable to return to the game.

The severity of the injury was evident as Horn later appeared on the sideline, supported by crutches and wearing a brace on his knee. Following the game, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed that the quarterback would undergo an MRI to ascertain the full extent of the damage, indicating that Horn would be “out an extended period of time.” This development is a significant blow for the Tigers and their early season aspirations.

Sam Horn’s athletic prowess extends beyond the gridiron; he is also a talented right-handed pitcher. This past summer, he was selected in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, receiving a substantial $497,500 signing bonus. Despite this professional baseball commitment, Horn was permitted to continue his college football career at Missouri, a rare opportunity for a dual-sport athlete of his caliber, making the injury particularly disheartening given his unique trajectory.

Prior to the injury, Horn was embroiled in an active quarterback battle with fellow signal-caller Beau Pribula for playing time. Missouri’s initial game plan involved sharing snaps between the two QBs. However, Horn’s abrupt exit opened the door for Pribula to take command of the offense for an extended period, an opportunity he seized with impressive results.

Beau Pribula, a transfer from Penn State, delivered a stellar performance in Horn’s absence, showcasing his readiness and talent. He finished the game with an impressive 283 yards and two touchdowns through the air, complementing his aerial attack with another 65 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, ultimately leading the Tigers to a dominant 61-6 victory. His unexpected extended run under center demonstrated his capabilities and potential impact on the college football season.

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz expressed confidence in his quarterbacks post-game, stating, “I knew he prepared well in fall camp. I tried to tell everybody that we had two quarterbacks that can win football games, and I fully expected that to be the case. I thought he played, honestly, pretty well.” His comments highlight the team’s depth, even in the face of the devastating Sam Horn injury.

Pribula himself conveyed his excitement and readiness for the moment, remarking, “You know it’s something I’ve been waiting for for a long time, just an opportunity like this. I was just extremely excited. A little jittery in the hotel, but once I got to the stadium, I was really excited just to get out here and play with these guys.” This unforeseen turn of events has reshaped the narrative for Mizzou Football, placing Pribula firmly in the spotlight as the team navigates the remainder of its schedule without Horn.