The 2025 college football season kicks off with a diverse mix of games that offer more than just tune-ups — and one matchup worth watching closely is 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri, scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET. The game, taking place at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, features the Central Arkansas Bears (FCS) stepping into the SEC spotlight to face the Missouri Tigers (FBS).
While Missouri enters as a clear favorite, FCS teams have become increasingly competitive in recent years, and the Bears from Conway, Arkansas, aren’t showing up just to collect a paycheck. For Missouri, this is a critical opportunity to shake off the offseason rust, build early-season rhythm, and establish themselves as serious contenders in the SEC East.
📅 Game Details: 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri
- Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Location: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO
- TV Broadcast: SEC Network (Expected)
- Streaming: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTv
Whether you’re a Tigers die-hard or curious to see if an FCS underdog can disrupt expectations, this matchup offers high entertainment and value in Week 1.
🏟️ Stadium Preview: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
Faurot Field, home to the Missouri Tigers, is one of the most historic stadiums in the SEC. Known for its iconic “M” in the north end zone and a seating capacity exceeding 61,000, the atmosphere in Columbia will be rocking. Expect a strong home-field advantage as Tigers fans return with expectations of postseason success.
🔍 Team Overviews: 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri
Missouri Tigers: Eyes on the SEC East
Under the leadership of Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri has taken steps toward becoming a consistent bowl team. With strong recruiting classes and increasing offensive firepower, 2025 is being viewed as a potential breakout year.
🔑 Missouri Key Players to Watch:
- QB Brady Cook: A seasoned leader with accurate passing and command of the offense. Returning as a veteran starter.
- RB Nate Peat: Explosive with home-run capability, particularly in open space.
- WR Luther Burden III: One of the SEC’s top receivers, known for his big-play ability and yards-after-catch.
- EDGE Johnny Walker Jr.: A disruptive pass rusher who’s expected to lead the team in sacks.
- DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: Shutdown corner who can eliminate a top WR.
With a deep offensive line and growing defensive cohesion, Missouri will look to dominate from the first snap.
Central Arkansas Bears: FCS Grit and Speed
Don’t let the “FCS” tag fool you — the Central Arkansas Bears have fielded strong teams year after year in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). Coached by Nathan Brown, the Bears are built around aggressive defense, mobile quarterback play, and a fast-paced offensive system.
🔑 Central Arkansas Key Players:
- QB Will McElvain: A dual-threat QB with game experience, capable of extending plays and throwing deep.
- RB Darius Hale: One of the best backs in FCS, known for vision, speed, and consistency.
- WR Jarrod Barnes: Deep-threat receiver who will test Missouri’s secondary on long routes.
- LB Logan Jessup: Team’s emotional and defensive leader with high tackle production.
- CB Cam Godfrey: Ball-hawking corner who thrives in man coverage.
The Bears will aim to use tempo and misdirection to keep Missouri’s defense honest.
⚔️ Key Matchups
Luther Burden vs. Central Arkansas Secondary
Burden’s elite athleticism and route running could be too much for an FCS defensive backfield. Expect him to be the focus early, particularly on screens and deep posts.
Missouri Defensive Front vs. Will McElvain
McElvain’s mobility will be tested against a fast and physical Tigers front. If Missouri gets pressure, he’ll be forced into hurried throws or sacks.
Darius Hale vs. Mizzou Linebackers
One of the most intriguing battles. Hale has proven he can run on anyone. If he breaks a few early, Central Arkansas might slow down the game and make it competitive.
📈 Betting Preview: Odds, Spread & Over/Under
- Point Spread: Missouri -30.5
- Over/Under: 55.5
- Moneyline: Missouri -10000, Central Arkansas +2500
ATS Prediction: Central Arkansas +30.5
While Missouri should control the game, expect Central Arkansas to keep the final margin respectable with a couple of late scores.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 55.5
With both teams capable of scoring, the Over is in play — especially if Missouri pulls starters late and the Bears take advantage.
⭐ Players to Watch
Brady Cook – QB, Missouri
Poised for a breakout SEC campaign, Cook’s precision and leadership will be on display.
Luther Burden III – WR, Missouri
Could have over 100 yards receiving by halftime. Dynamic and elusive in space.
Darius Hale – RB, Central Arkansas
If he breaks the 100-yard mark against an SEC defense, his NFL stock rises instantly.
Will McElvain – QB, Central Arkansas
Key to extending plays and generating offense with both his legs and arm.
🧠 Coaching Showdown: Drinkwitz vs. Brown
- Eli Drinkwitz: Entering year five at Mizzou, the offensive guru continues to evolve. Known for gadget plays, balance, and recruiting.
- Nathan Brown: A respected coach at the FCS level, Brown emphasizes tempo and QB development. His Bears are never out-hustled.
Expect Drinkwitz to treat this game like a test lab — installing new wrinkles while aiming for a dominant but injury-free performance.
📊 2024 Season Recap
Missouri Tigers (2024)
- Record: 9–4
- Bowl: Citrus Bowl (Win over Penn State)
- PPG: 32.7
- Yards/Game: 412.6
- Defense: Allowed 23.4 PPG
Central Arkansas Bears (2024)
- Record: 8–3
- Conference Finish: 2nd in UAC
- PPG: 29.3
- Yards/Game: 388.1
- Playoff Appearance: Yes (Lost in 1st Round)
Both teams are coming off solid campaigns. Missouri has legitimate SEC aspirations, while Central Arkansas is one of the more respected FCS programs.
📌 Why This Game Matters
- For Missouri: A dominant performance builds confidence before SEC play.
- For Central Arkansas: Upsetting an SEC team (or even keeping it close) raises national recognition and improves FCS playoff seeding.
And let’s not forget: FCS over FBS upsets can and do happen — just ask Michigan (App State 2007) or Washington State (Portland State 2015).
❓ FAQs – 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri
Is this Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Missouri?
No. This is Central Arkansas (UCA) vs. Missouri Tigers.
When and where is the game?
Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:30 PM ET at Faurot Field in Columbia, MO.
Where can I stream it?
Likely on SEC Network or ESPN+, also available via Hulu Live, FuboTV, and YouTube TV.
Is Missouri ranked?
Preseason rankings TBD, but Missouri is expected to be Top 25 in many polls.
Has Central Arkansas beaten an FBS team before?
Not yet, but they’ve come close. This game gives them another opportunity.
What’s the predicted final score?
Missouri 45, Central Arkansas 17
🏁 Final Score Prediction: Missouri 45, Central Arkansas 17
While Central Arkansas has tools to make this competitive early, Missouri’s talent, size, and depth should prove overwhelming. Expect Missouri to score quickly and often, with the Bears finding some late-game success once the depth chart rotates.
Game MVP: Luther Burden III – 6 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs
X-Factor: Darius Hale – 85 rushing yards and 1 TD in the second half
Surprise Performer: Missouri TE Brett Norfleet with multiple red zone targets
🧩 Final Thoughts: 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri – Why You Should Watch
Whether you’re an SEC fan, UAC supporter, or general college football enthusiast, 🏈 Arkansas at Missouri offers a perfect blend of elite athletes, underdog fire, and early-season unpredictability.
Here’s what makes it must-watch:
- 🔥 Elite SEC speed vs. proven FCS toughness
- 🎯 NFL-caliber talent on both rosters
- 📺 Prime-time Thursday night national stage
- 🚨 Upset potential, even if small
As the 2025 NCAAF season begins, this matchup will show us who’s ready — and who still has work to do.