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COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Mizzou Football's leader is in contention for another top coaching honor. On Wednesday, head coach Eli Drinkwitz earned a spot on the 2025 Dodd Trophy midseason watch list, college football's most coveted national coaching award. Coach Drinkwitz was also named to the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year watch list, just one week prior. The Dodd Trophy is awarded to a head coach who enjoys success on the field while emphasizing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity. There are 24 coaches on this year's midseason watch list, including 10 members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). “The first half of the 2025 season has already delivered thrilling competition and strong performances from coaches and players alike,” Jim Terry, Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, said in a press release. “Those named to our midseason list have not only guided their teams to success, but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and community involvement.” The 2023 SEC Coach of the Year has already guided his team to victory in six of its first seven games this year, representing the third consecutive campaign that the Tigers have started a season with a 6-1 overall record. Under his leadership, Mizzou is currently the nation's No. 5-ranked and No. 10-ranked team in total defense (243.0 YPG) and total offense (486.6 YPG), respectively. MU is also the No. 15-ranked program in the latest Associated Press (AP) Poll. Coach Drinkwitz's success stretches beyond the 2025 season. He owns a 44-25 overall record over his six seasons with the Tigers and has helped develop 16 different All-SEC honorees and 17 NFL draft picks during that stretch. Drinkwitz is also one of just two head coaches in school history to lead the football program to multiple 10-win seasons, joining college football hall-of-famer Gary Pinkel. The 2025 Dodd Trophy winner will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
