Penn State football's head coach search gets thinner day by day as new jobs open up around the country and candidates take their names out of the pool of options. One name still in the bowl, though, is current Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Penn State fans hungry for the type of culture Eli Drinkwitz has built at Mizzou
247Sports Mizzou insider wrote that there is a "strong mutual interest" between Drinkwitz and the Nittany Lions. Drinkwitz has been with the Tigers since 2020, logging the team's first winning record under his leadership in 2023,11-2, and continuing on that trend since. Missouri is currently 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC so far in 2025.
"Based on what I've been told, we'll be looking for a new coach this offseason. I'm hearing there's very strong mutual interest between [Drinkwitz] and Penn State . . . there were conversations had during the bye week between Mizzou and [Drinkwitz]. With that being said, as with any coach in this situation, [Drinkwitz] is trying to leverage the best possible offer while keeping his options open. I'm told Jon Sumrall, Kane Womack, James Franklin and Collin Klein are some [preliminary] names to keep an eye on if/when [Drinkwitz] leaves.
Also worth noting, I've been told pretty firmly that [Drinkwitz] will NOT be strongly considered for the Florida job. Despite Stricklin's reported interested in [Drinkwitz], both sides are concerned with Florida's fans strong opposition of hiring [Drinkwitz]."
— Ryatt 🐊 (@OfficialRyatt) November 6, 2025
Eli Drinkwitz becomes leading candidate for Penn State head coach position with latest scoop
Before 247Sports' update that was revealed on Twitter/X by a fan on Thursday, there was no sure candidate that seemed like the best and most likely fit for the Nittany Lions. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti signed extensions that crossed them off the list.
As Drinkwitz rises to the surface, it gives fans a candidate to root for. Penn State needs a certain culture to rejuvenate the frustrated fanbase and disappointed locker room. Alongside this, the Nittany Lions need to win. Drinkwitz proved he can do so.
With the additional resources and perks Happy Valley has to offer, he has more unlocked potential to showcase. If Drinkwitz can get the job done well at Mizzou, the Penn State shouldn't be a daunting challenge. He's the kind of coach that has a realistic shot of being an upgrade from former head coach James Franklin.
The cherry on top to all of this, is quarterback Beau Pribula potentially making a return to Happy Valley. After seeing what senior quarterback Drew Allar could — or more so couldn't — accomplish before his injury, fans immediately wished the Nittany Lions kept Pribula at Penn State.
Pribula dislocated his ankle against Vanderbilt and was likely to be ruled out for the season. The latest injury update from Drinkwitz showed promise of his potential return in the regular season. He said Pribula's X-rays were moving in the right direction and that the quarterback will be on the sideline for Saturday's match against Texas A&M.
If Drinkwitz made the move, Pribula would have a massive welcoming and overwhelming support at Beaver Stadium. He might offer Penn State a senior season at quarterback it expected out of Allar in 2025. It wouldn't be unwise for the former Nittany Lion to consider sticking with Drinkwitz.