Missouri football just secured a fascinating piece for its future: quarterback Beau Pribula, transferring from Penn State. If his story sounds familiar, that’s because it mirrors the path of one Will Levis, another former Nittany Lion backup who found stardom after transferring to Kentucky. Could Pribula replicate Levis’ rise to success?
Will Levis' last 2 throws:
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 4, 2021
🎯 Touchdown
🎯 Touchdown@UKFootball 🍌 pic.twitter.com/eRuFeiV5jo
Pribula, a former three-star recruit, entered Penn State with potential and a dynamic rushing ability that drew comparisons to Levis during his time in Happy Valley. Both players couldn’t topple entrenched starters—Sean Clifford for Levis, and Drew Allar for Pribula—but showed glimpses of brilliance when given opportunities to shine.
Beau Pribula has committed to Missouri
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) December 23, 2024
It was rumored that he was offered somewhere around $1.5 million when he entered the portal last week pic.twitter.com/aMxkMEVY7o
Pribula’s passing stats at Penn State highlight growth despite limited chances:
- 2023: 11 completions on 21 attempts for 149 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- 2024: 26 completions on 35 attempts for 275 yards, 5 touchdowns, 1 interception
- Career totals: 424 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 1 interception, 66.1% completion rate
Where Pribula really stands out is on the ground. Over two seasons, he racked up 571 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 94 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. His mobility adds a dimension that Missouri’s offense could thrive on, particularly in the ever-competitive SEC.
Levis followed a similar arc, putting up modest passing numbers and 473 rushing yards with 6 tds at Penn State before transferring to Kentucky. There is where he turned heads with his combination of arm strength and physicality. His breakout at Kentucky ultimately propelled him to a second-round NFL Draft pick, a trajectory Missouri fans are hoping Pribula can emulate.
Will Levis in two seasons at Kentucky (2021-22):
— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) December 4, 2024
🔷 418/636 CMP/ATT (65.7 CMP% - 2nd best in UK history)
🔷 5,233 PASS YDS (6th most in UK history)
🔷 12.5 Y/C
🔷 218.0 Y/G
🔷 43 PASS TD (5th most in UK history)
🔷 179 CAR
🔷 269 RUSH YDS, 11 RUSH TD
🔗: https://t.co/NAdvIwIUYu pic.twitter.com/LhY6DQzV4O
The big question is whether Missouri’s system under Eli Drinkwitz can unlock Pribula’s full potential. While Levis landed in an offense tailored to his strengths, the Tigers must figure out how to balance Pribula’s dual-threat skills.
Beau Pribula is gonna be a baller at Mizzou 🐯
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) December 23, 2024
pic.twitter.com/mUuO5Z0CsJ
It’s no small task to rise to prominence in the SEC, but Pribula has a blueprint—and a chip on his shoulder. Missouri has taken a gamble, but if it pays off, they might just have the next Will Levis on their hands. Kentucky has a 7th year Zach Calzada primed to be their QB this year, and he too is hoping to follow Will's first season.