Virginia vs. Missouri Opt-Out Tracker, Transfers, Injuries, Starting Lineups, Best Bet for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
The Missouri Tigers will take on the Virginia Cavaliers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday night in a matchup of programs chasing history. Jack Borovitz analyzes this Virginia vs. Missouri transfer portal and opt-out tracker for Saturday, December 27th in the Gator Bowl.
Jack Borovitz - December 27, 2025, 5:00 PM EST
5 Minute ReadVirginia vs. Missouri Preview: Who Is Opting-Out, Injured for TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday, December 27th
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl brings two teams at crossroads, each seeking validation after seasons that ended in disappointment. Missouri sits as a -4 favorite after the line opened at -7, a significant drop that reflects quarterback uncertainty and receiving corps depletion. The Tigers bring SEC size and a dominant ground game to Jacksonville, while Virginia comes in with continuity and a quarterback who dragged them within one win of the College Football Playoff.
Virginia enters searching for an 11-win season, something that has never happened in 136 years of program history. QB Chandler Morris remains under center, the offensive system stays intact, and running back J'Mari Taylor's status determines whether the Cavaliers can match Missouri's physicality with top target Trell Harris questionable after getting hurt in the ACC Championship Game loss to Duke. For a program that came heartbreakingly close to something special, this is about finishing what they started.
Missouri has a talented team, but faces offensive limitations. QB Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal, leaving freshman Matt Zollers under center. Zollers started three games during the season when Pribula was injured, throwing three touchdowns and one interception in that span. The Tigers lost multiple receivers to the portal, shifting offensive identity entirely to RB Ahmad Hardy. The SEC Newcomer of the Year rushed for 1,560 yards and sits 68 yards shy of Missouri's single-season rushing record. Coach Eli Drinkwitz is historically 9-1 ATS as a 3.5 to 10-point favorite, winning those games by an average of 14.9 points.
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Virginia vs. Missouri Date, Time, and Where to Watch TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
- Date: Saturday, December 27, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: ABC
Virginia vs. Missouri State Odds
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl | Odds |
|---|---|
Virginia +4 (-112) | Missouri -4 (-108) |
Virginia ML (+154) | Missouri ML (-185) |
Over 43.5 Total Points | Under 43.5 Total Points |
Click here for the latest Virginia vs. Missouri Odds
Virginia vs. Missouri Opt-Outs Tracker & Injuries
Virginia Transfer Portal
- Starting CB Ja'Son Prevard (585 snaps)
Virginia Potential Opt-Outs
- RB J'Mari Taylor
- QB Chandler Morris
- DE Fisher Camac
- S Antonio Clary
- S Devin Neal
Virginia Injuries
- LB Kam Robinson (out for year)
- TE Dakota Twitty (last played W6; 247 snaps)
- WR Trell Harris (top wideout left ACC title game with an injury; still waiting on imaging)
- RG Kevin Wigenton II
Missouri Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Beau Pribula (won't play)
- WR Josh Manning (318 yards, 2 TDs; will not play)
- WR Marquis Johnson (340 yards, 2 TDs; will not play)
With Pribula entering the portal, backup Matt Zollers — who started three games this season — will get the start.
Missouri is also pretty thin at wide receiver.
Missouri Potential Opt-Outs
- LT Cayden Green
- RT Keagen Trost
- C Connor Tollison
- DE Zion Young (will play)
- DE Damon Wilson II
- WR Kevin Coleman
- DT Chris McClellan
- S Jalen Catalon
Missouri Injuries
- Starting TE Brett Norfleet (won't play)
- Starting LB Josiah Trotter (won't play)
Virginia vs. Missouri Odds Breakdown - TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Virginia has offensive balance that Missouri's depleted receiving corps can't match. QB Chandler Morris completed 64.8 percent of his throws for 2,802 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading an attack that averaged 32.6 points per game. The Cavaliers finished top-20 nationally in third-down conversion rate, a stat that matters when controlling tempo against a run-heavy opponent. RB J'Mari Taylor led the ACC with 1,062 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, though his status remains uncertain as he mulls his future. If Taylor sits, Virginia loses its most physical element. WR Trell Harris is questionable after getting hurt in the ACC title game. His absence would stress depth against a Missouri defense ranked 16th nationally in EPA per play.
Missouri lost starting quarterback Beau Pribula to the transfer portal, shifting offensive responsibility to freshman Matt Zollers. Zollers started three games this season, posting modest numbers while avoiding turnovers. The Tigers won't ask much of him. RB Ahmad Hardy rushed for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Cavaliers ranked outside the top-25 in EPA per rush. Expect Missouri's offensive line will create lanes and Hardy to break tackles. The Tigers' passing game is limited with multiple receivers in the portal, but Drinkwitz won't need it if Hardy can control the game.
From a market perspective, the line dropped from -7 to -4, suggesting sharp action on Virginia. That's a reasonable bet on continuity and motivation. Missouri has more talent, but the Tigers lost key contributors at quarterback and receiver. Virginia has the quarterback, the system, and the momentum of a team that came one win away from the playoff. The total dropped from 50.5 to 43.5, reflecting Pribula's absence and limited offensive firepower on both sides. The under has hit in Virginia's last eight games.
Virginia vs. Missouri Best Bet
- Pick: Missouri -4 (-108) Check out these best odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Missouri has a stellar rushing game and a coaching staff that knows how to win these games. Hardy will break the single-season rushing record, Drinkwitz will control tempo through the ground game, and Virginia's defense may nor be able to stop what's coming.
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