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Potential Milestones for Mizzou Players in Gator Bowl cover image

Beyond team history, Mizzou stars chase individual glory. Can Zollers secure a ranked win, Hardy break records, and others hit crucial career thresholds?

Missouri is set to square off with the No. 20 Virginia Cavaliers Saturday night to close its 2025 season. 

The Tigers are in search of their ninth win, which would mark the first time in program history Missouri finished with nine or more wins in three consecutive seasons. While that's undoubtedly the top goal for the team, getting some important individual milestones along the way wouldn't hurt. 

Here's which Tigers have something a little extra to play for. 

Matt Zollers: First Ranked Win

Zollers lone win as the primary signal-caller this season was against Mississippi State, who finished the season with a 5-7 record and a 1-7 record in conference play. He fell narrowly to No. 10 Vanderbilt, and was crushed by No. 3 Texas A&M. 

Now set to square off with No. 20 Virginia, Zollers has the opportunity to get his highest quality of win yet. Zollers leading Missouri to a win would not only be his first career ranked win, but Missouri's first ranked win since Week 3 of 2024 against No. 24 Boston College. 

Sep 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) runs the ball as Boston College Eagles defensive back KP Price (20) makes the tackle during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesSep 14, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) runs the ball as Boston College Eagles defensive back KP Price (20) makes the tackle during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Getting the job done against the Cavaliers would undeniably help boost Zollers' case to start for the Tigers next season. 

Ahmad Hardy: Break Schrader's Record

Hardy has a strong case for the best single-season running back performance in program history, totaling 1,560 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns with highlight plays every week. He was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, and one selection away from becoming a consensus All-American. 

Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (7) runs for a first down against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesDec 29, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Cody Schrader (7) runs for a first down against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Cody Schrader, the current Missouri record-holder, rushed for 1,627 yards in the 2023 season. Hardy has averaged 130 rushing yards per game this season, and needs just 68 yards to break Schrader's record — the math says he'll get it done. 

I had one of those goals in my mind when I came here, but I didn't say it," Hardy said of obtaining the record. "But hopefully I get it."

 

Kevin Coleman Jr.: Cross 70-Reception Threshold 

Coleman is at 63 catches on the season and needs seven more to reach 70, but why does this milestone matter? He logged 74 receptions in 2024, and would be the first SEC receiver since Malik Nabers and the fourth SEC receiver of the last decade to log multiple seasons with 70 or more receptions.

Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.

Alongside Nabers, Coleman would join fellow NFL players A.J. Brown and Christian Kirk on the list — all three of whom have at least one season above 1,000 receiving yards in the NFL. Making the list wouldn't guarantee Coleman the same level of NFL success, but it would put him in rather impressive company. 

Damon Wilson II: Get 10th Sack

Wilson currently sits at nine sacks ahead of the Gator Bowl, leading Missouri and ranking third in the SEC in sacks. Should he break through the Virginia's backfield and bring down Chandler Morris one time, he'll become the first Tiger to reach 10 or more sacks in a season since both Shane Ray (14.5) and Markus Golden (10) did so in the 2014 season. 

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel, defensive lineman Markus Golden (33), and defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the victory celebration at the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesJan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel, defensive lineman Markus Golden (33), and defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the victory celebration at the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Wilson's only been at Missouri for one season, but he's already putting himself in conversations among the best Tiger edge rushers of the century. 

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