If Eli Drinkwitz Leaves Missouri for Penn State, These 4 Players Could Follow Him to Happy Valley
One of, if not the hottest name in the Penn State coaching search is Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Drinkwitz is in his fifth season coaching at Missouri, but prior to arriving in to Columbia, Drinkwitz coached for a year at Appalachian State.
In addition to Penn State, Drinkwitz has been linked to Florida, Auburn, LSU, and a few other jobs.
Drinkwitz has had plenty of time to build his roster at Missouri and thus has a good stockpile of talent.
That talent includes two Pennsylvania Quarterbacks and one Pennsylvania Quarterback commit. Drinkwitz would have plenty of talent to bring with him to Happy Valley.
Top Players Eli Drinkwitz Could Bring to Penn State
QB Beau Pribula or Matt Zollars Could Follow Drinkwitz to Happy Valley
Could a homecoming be on the horizion for Penn State?
Former Nittany Lion, Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri after the Big Ten Championship game last year. Pribula grew up a Penn State fan, so it would make a ton of sense.
The York, PA native would have one year of eligibility remaining coming off of a season that ended early due to an injury.
The other side of the coin, is Missouri’s current starting Quarterback, former Penn State recruiting target, Matt Zollers.
Obviously, Zollers came in for Pribula and made his first start against Texas A&M last week.
Zollers struggled, but he is a talented signal caller and should only improve. Additionally, Penn State recruited the Pennsylvania native very hard during his high school career.
The question would become, which Quarterback would Drinkwitz choose to bring? Does he stick with Pribula for a year or ride with Zollars for the future? Maybe both would follow Drinkwitz and give instant depth.
RB Ahmad Hardy Would Add Power to Penn State’s Offense
Missouri’s leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy would be a very viable Running Back option for Drinkwitz to bring in.
Hardy transfered from ULM up to Missouri and has done well this year.
Hardy’s scouting report reads like a bruiser. He is a powerful Running Back that can run through tackles and contact.
This season, Hardy has posted just north of 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. If Drinkwitz could pair Hardy with either Zollars or Pribula, in Blue and White would have a very formitable offense from the start.
LB Josiah Trotter Could Bring Philadelphia Grit to the Nittany Lions’ Defense
Josiah Trotter is a proven beast at Linebacker.
Trotter is the son of former Eagles Linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter. Therefore, Josiah Trotter ended up growing up in Philadelphia, close to Penn State.
Prior to Missouri, Trotter began his career at West Virginia before transferring to Missouri in year 2.
So far, Trotter is Missouri’s leading tackler with 59 total tackles. He’s also notched a sack and a pass breakup. If Penn State were to get Eli Drinkwitz, Josiah Trotter would be an elite Linebacker to have come home to Happy Valley.
8 Names to Watch in Penn State’s Coaching Search as Pat Kraft’s Hot Board Takes Shape
Buy The Newest Penn State Gear From Fanatics | Shop Penn State Merchandise on Amazon
WR Donovan Olugbode Is a Rising Star Who Could Shine in Happy Valley
One of the most talented players on Missouri’s roster is freshman wideout Donovan Olugbode.
Olugbode is a 4-star top 100 player from the class of 2025. He has good size at 6-1 and comes from a proven high school program in IMG Academy.
Through his freshman campaign, Olugbode has caught 20 passes for 287 yards and a touchdown. He had a big game against Auburn with five catches for 69 yards.
Should Drinkwitz and Pribula or Zollars come to Penn State, 2026 could prove to be a massive breakout year for Olugbode in State College.
Loved this story? Get all our Penn State football coverage and insider updates first. Join our FREE newsletter — your front-row seat to the Lions
.
A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
- If Eli Drinkwitz Leaves Missouri for Penn State, These 4 Players Could Follow Him to Happy Valley - November 13, 2025
- Another Top Penn State Coaching Candidate Nearing a Contract Extension: Report - November 13, 2025
- Could Brian Hartline Be the Next Great Penn State Coach? A 4-Year Projection if He Lands in Happy Valley - November 12, 2025