The Missouri Tigers college football program represents the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in Columbia, Missouri. Established in 1890, the Tigers boast a rich history and tradition within college football. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), joining in 2012 after leaving the Big 12 Conference.
The Tigers play their home games at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium, a historic venue with a seating capacity of approximately 61,620. The stadium, affectionately known as 'The Zou,' opened in 1926 and has undergone multiple renovations to modernize its facilities. It is renowned for its energetic atmosphere, highlighted by the 'Rock M' emblem, a large white stone 'M' on the north hill of the stadium, created by the freshman class in 1927.
Missouri's football program has experienced significant success over the years, producing numerous All-Americans and NFL players. The Tigers have claimed 15 conference titles and have participated in over 30 bowl games, with notable victories in prestigious bowls such as the Cotton Bowl and the Orange Bowl. The program's most successful periods include the 1960s under Coach Dan Devine and the 2000s under Coach Gary Pinkel.
Coach Pinkel, who led the Tigers from 2001 to 2015, is the winningest coach in Mizzou history. Under his leadership, the Tigers enjoyed multiple double-digit win seasons, top-10 finishes, and division championships. Mizzou's fierce rivalry with the Kansas Jayhawks, known as the Border War, is one of the oldest and most intense in college football, although it has been dormant since Mizzou's move to the SEC.
The Tigers' colors are black and gold, and their mascot, Truman the Tiger, is a beloved figure on campus and at sporting events. The program emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement, with numerous players earning Academic All-American honors. The Missouri Tigers continue to be a formidable presence in college football, striving for success in the highly competitive SEC.
