Brady Cook has been a staple of the Missouri Tigers offense over the last three seasons. Through the ups and downs, Cook has been a normally consistent force and has displayed incredible toughness and leadership in that time period.
That toughness showed up on multiple occasions throughout his years with the Tigers,
“One of the things I’ve lived by playing college football is you gotta be tough,” Cook said. “You gotta be gritty. That’s just part of how I’ve played. It’s become who I am. And, every single week, I told myself I was gonna give it every single thing I have to walk off that field with a dub. And I think that’s what it comes down to.”
That toughness personified him, but there were some inconsistencies on the field that ended up defining his final year with the Tigers. He remained a leader, consistent and tough and those things never changed, but his on-field performance did, for some reason, take a small hit.
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Finding a reason for that is pretty hard. Maybe it was injuries or maybe something changed in his mechanics, but there was something different about Cook during his final year. One could say he regressed in those areas, but one thing did evolve in his multi-year starting stint in the SEC.
“I’m proud of how my leadership’s evolved,” Cook said. I think the thing that’s really stuck out to me as I grew as a leader was just knowing your guys inside and out, knowing your teammates on and off the field, making sure they respect and trust you.”
Cook had one goal in mind when he arrived in Columbia, to change the program for the better. The wins were just a bonus that came along with it and improving the culture was at the top of his priority list.
“It’s crazy to think where we started when I came in 2020 and where the program is now, where we left it,” Cook said. “And that was one of my goals, I wanted to leave Mizzou better than I found it.”
Cook had an interesting final college season, to say the least. The Saint Louis native faced his fair share of struggles, from staying healthy to accuracy issues. It wasn’t his best season in a Tiger uniform by any means, but he did deliver some remarkable moments.
No series of throws was as impressive as his fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers. After being knocked out early with an ankle injury, Cook returned late in the third quarter to mount a comeback over Auburn, doing so on a bum ankle in heroic fashion.
He did just about everything he could against the South Carolina Gamecocks, connecting with his star wide receiver Luther Burden III in the waning moments of the game to take the lead. It wasn’t enough and the Gamecocks would score shortly after, but he almost pulled off another monumental win in Columbia, South Carolina.
Nov 16, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Brady Cook (12) and teammates celebrate after a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Statistically, Cook did have a down year. He threw for 2,535 passing yards and 11 touchdowns on 201 completions, tagging along only two interceptions. His 62.6 percent completion percentage was the lowest of his five-year career with the Tigers as well.
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The year before that was his best, recording 3,317 yards and 21 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions. His deep-ball accuracy was the best it had ever been and his connection with all of the Missouri receivers was spot on. In general, Cook’s decision-making and accuracy never looked better, which is the reason for so many questions about what happened during his final season.
Cook’s ability to create and extend plays on his legs can’t be overstated, either. He rushed for 1,127 rushing yards in his three seasons as a starter. It’s an underrated part of his skillset as a quarterback and tends to get overshadowed by what he brings to the table as a passer.
Overall, Cook’s time in Columbia was defined by his character and leadership. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his quarterback grew quite close over his time there, delivering over and over again when the Missouri Tigers needed it the most. Now, in somber fashion, it’s time for Cook to move on to the professional level.
“What’s that old weird saying? Don’t cry because you’re sad; be excited because it happened, or something like that? I’m fortunate that it happened,” Drinkwitz said. “I’m fortunate that he stayed with us.”
Mock Draft
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In ESPN’s 7-round mock draft done by Matt Miller, Cook was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round with the No. 230 pick in the draft. NFL Mock Draft Database also refers to Cook as a day-three selection, with a variety of selections in between rounds five and seven.
Trevor Sikkeman of Pro Football Focus listed Cook as the 200th-best prospect in the class. He has yet to release a scouting report on Cook.
Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network had this to say about Cook.
“Tantalizing prospect thanks to his athleticism and arm talent but the more I studied, the more doubt creeped in. Cook played with a better command of the offense in 2023, which led to better in-game rhythm and results. He can make every NFL throw but struggles to make them with consistent timing and accuracy. Cook needs to improve his eye discipline to keep windows open and safeties out of his business. He’s an average decision-maker and field-reader who defaults to unsound passing platforms when he feels pressure. He has the size and mobility to make plays as a scrambler and with designed runs. Cook’s physical traits and athletic ability are worth a discussion as a developmental prospect.”
“ll always be indebted to him for what he’s done for my family and what he’s done for this program.”
– Drinkwitz on Cook
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This story will be updated as the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer.
This is one of the final stories in a series of profiles of former Missouri football players who could be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As of Saturday, December 13, 2025, Bet365 Sportsbook is firmly established in the Show-Me State, continuing a massive expansion for the global betting giant. To maximize its footprint during this pivotal opening month, Bet365 Missouri has extended its most aggressive welcome promotion in Bowl Season: the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE now unlocks a Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets deal for all eligible Missouri residents.
This enhanced bonus stands as a significant departure from Bet365’s typical national approach. In mature markets such as New Jersey and Ohio, the standard entry offer is generally capped at $150. By utilizing the Bet365 bonus code in Missouri today, new registrants secure an extra $215 in bonus value, cementing this $365 guarantee as one of the premier launch incentives in the United States.
Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE: A New National Benchmark
The Bet365 Bonus Code Missouri’s updated terms and conditions can be viewed here.Bet365
The timing of this rollout is impeccable, aligning perfectly with the most storied rivalry in college football. The Bet365 bonus code framework for Missouri is engineered to supply immediate account liquidity. Unlike deposit matches that demand a high upfront cost, or “safety net” bets that rely on a loss to trigger a refund, the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE ensures the $365 payout happens regardless of whether the qualifying bet wins or loses.
Key Deal Terms:
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Bonus Code: SYRACUSE
Offer: Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets (Guaranteed).
Value Differential: +$215 over the standard $150 national promo.
Launch Window: December 2025 (Live Now).
Today’s Top Missouri Betting Opportunity: Army vs. Navy
The activation of the Bet365 bonus code comes just hours before kickoff for “America’s Game.” Missouri bettors can apply their qualifying $10 wager on this afternoon’s service academy clash to instantly trigger the $365 bonus mechanism.
Army vs. Navy: Saturday College Football Spotlight
Teams: Army Black Knights vs. Navy Midshipmen
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
Current Betting Odds
Total (Over/Under): 38.5
Moneyline Odds: Army +210, Navy -235
Note: Odds are subject to change.
By using the Bet365 bonus code to place a $10 wager on the Midshipmen cover (-6), the Army upset (+210), or the defensive struggle on the Under (38.5), Missouri accounts will be credited with $365 in bonus bets. This provides a significant war chest for the remainder of the December football schedule.
How to Activate the Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE:
Bet365 Bonus Code SYRACUSE unlocks the Missouri sports betting launch bonus when you follow these simple steps.Bet365
With the platform fully operational, claiming this elevated launch bonus requires following specific steps during sign-up. The Bet365 bonus code must be applied as follows:
Application: Enter the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE inside the dedicated field during account creation on the Missouri app or desktop site.
Deposit: Make a minimum initial deposit of $10 to fund the new account.
Qualifying Wager: Place a $10 wager on the Army-Navy game (or any other eligible market).
Distribution: The Bet365 bonus code triggers the release of $365 in bonus bets to the account balance once the wager settles, irrespective of the final score.
Conclusion: Bet365 Missouri Redefines the Opening Month
The arrival of Bet365 in Missouri delivers more than just a new platform; it introduces a market-altering promotional tier. By leveraging the Bet365 bonus code SYRACUSE during this historic opening month, sports fans guarantee themselves a bonus $215 higher than the national average, ensuring the most profitable start possible to their betting experience in Missouri.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a 29-year-old woman after seizing over 200 pounds of marijuana in a traffic stop.
ALSO READ: Investigation into Missouri kratom retailers expands, says AG
According to the MSHP, troopers stopped a vehicle for a registration violation and following too closely on EB I-70 in Montgomery County, Mo., on Thursday, December 11. Authorities then searched the vehicle, finding 221 pounds of marijuana.
According to an MSHP report, 29-year-old Briana A. Roberts was taken into custody and held in the Montgomery County Jail for 24 hours. She could be charged with trafficking drugs in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, according to the report.
Some mid-Missouri stores and restaurants will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. KOMU 8 News has compiled a list of what’s open on Christmas in 2025.
If you don’t see your establishment listed, please email news@komu.com with your operating hours.
Stores
Walgreens – East Broadway, Columbia
Christmas Eve: Store open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Store open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., pharmacy closed
Walmart
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Target – Columbia
Target – Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Aldi
Christmas Eve: Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar General
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dollar Tree
Christmas Eve: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Gerbes
Christmas Eve: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Hy-Vee
Christmas Eve: Store open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pharmacy open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Moser’s Food
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Sam’s Club
Christmas Eve: Store and pharmacy open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Schnuck’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
IHOP
Christmas Eve: Open 12 a.m. to 7p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed, opens next day at 5 a.m.
Waffle House
7Brew
Christmas Eve: Open 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Scooter’s
Christmas Eve: Open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – Broadway & Fairview in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starbucks – Missouri Boulevard & U.S. 50 in Jefferson City
Christmas Eve: Open 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Starbucks – Nifong & Buttonwood in Columbia
Christmas Eve: Open 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Starbucks – West Truman & Country Club in Jefferson City