In a college football landscape full of player movement, Jacob Clark returns to Missouri State and could become program's greatest player.
In a college football landscape full of player movement, Jacob Clark is going to have an opportunity to leave a legacy.
Sure, the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder could have gone to several different schools and had the chance to start on larger stages and make more money, but it's unlikely anywhere else would have offered him the opportunity to go down as one of the program's greats.
He'll have that opportunity at Missouri State.
"My decision came down to what made the most sense for me and my football career for this season and the future," Clark said. "It just didn't make sense to go restart somewhere, even if there was money involved."
Clark enters his final season of college eligibility as the undisputed starting quarterback as Missouri State makes its debut as an FBS program in Conference USA.
Clark is coming off the single greatest passing season in the school's history, leading the Bears to an 8-4 record and earning All-Missouri Valley Football Conference First Team recognition. It followed an injury-shortened season in 2023, when he had served as the Bears' backup in the year prior.
He's by far the most efficient passer to ever suit up in maroon and white, and is on pace to break career records in what could be 2.5 years as a starter. Somehow, his coach believes he'll be even better in 2025.
"He's really taken the quarterback group and the entire offense under his wing," Bears coach Ryan Beard said. "His demeanor is just... he's a grown man who's confident in himself and his ability. He's the guy, and I think people sometimes shy away from it, but he's truly stepped into his light, and you'll see the best version of Jacob Clark."
Where Beard expects Clark to improve will be in his ball distribution. Four of the Bears' top five leading receivers from a year ago either graduated or transferred, leaving some questions as to who will be the go-to target when Missouri State's offense has produced receivers who have caught 63 or more passes over the last two years.
Last year, Hunter Wood led the team with 63 catches, with Jmariyae Robinson finishing second with 38. The year before, Raylen Sharpe caught 73 passes with Robinson finishing second with 45.
"Just because we don't have those guys doesn't mean Jacob can't find guys that are open," Beard said. "I think one of the things you'll see is the ball distribution, and I'm excited about that because I think they're going to continue to get better."
Continuity with offensive coordinator Nick Petrino will also allow Clark to elevate his game. The two have worked together since Clark backed up Jason Shelley in 2022. Staying in the same system when going against more challenging defenses will help the transition when Clark is already regarded as one of the best and most proven quarterbacks in the conference.
A new level of football won't put the Bears against defenses like those at Indiana State and Murray State, but will instead be more consistently challenging, going against units that would have ranked in the top half of the MVFC every week.
"I think we were well-prepared playing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference," Clark said. "This is another level of football, and it goes back to our day-to-day preparation. We're just going to continue to get better and focus on one week, one game at a time."
What were Jacob Clark's stats in 2024?
262-373 (68%), 3,604 yards, 26 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Clark set the Missouri State single-season record in passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.
Who will be Jacob Clark's backup in 2025?
Clark's backup remains a big question in 2025, with three inexperienced quarterbacks competing for the position. The three include Cole Feuerbacher, Elijah Leonard, and Deuce Bailey.
The three each have different skill sets, with Feuerbacher being the best thrower, Bailey the better athlete, and Leonard a mix of both. However, Beard indicated it hadn't been decided yet.
It's also worth wondering whether the starting quarterback for 2026 is among the three once Clark graduates after this season. Brett Ottensmeyer, a commit from Parkway West (Ballwin), will join the competition next season.
Where does Jacob Clark rank all-time among Missouri State quarterbacks?
- Career touchdowns: 36 (T-4th)
- Career yards: 4,694 (6th)
- Career completion percentage: 68% (1st)
- Career efficiency: 169.53 (1st)
- Career total offense: 4,775 (8th)
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State football QB Jacob Clark returns to leave legacy
Category: General Sports
