Missouri State Names Skyler Locklear Starting QB

Missouri State has found its starting quarterback to kick off the Casey Woods era in Springfield.

Transfer Skyler Locklear has been named the Bears starting QB and will make his Missouri State debut against No. 8 Texas A&M in the season opener, the team announced on Wednesday.

Locklear beat out Duke transfer Henry Belin IV after a close battle that ultimately saw Locklear get the majority of snaps with Missouri State’s 1st-team offense in Saturday’s scrimmage, signaling the decision.

The 5th-year quarterback comes to Springfield after spending the past 2 seasons at UTEP, starting 16 games and recording 3,001 passing yards, 23 passing TDs and 17 INTs, while also totaling 633 rushing yards and 10 TDs on the ground.

Moving forward with Locklear also reunites the gunslinger with offensive coordinator Mark Cala, who coached him at UTEP before joining Missouri State back in January. He’s also somewhat familiar with Springfield, having played there in November 2025, although the Bears walked away with the win that night.

His first test with the Bears will be a massive one, as Missouri State opens the season on the road against No. 8 Texas A&M on September 5th at 7 pm EST.