Missouri State QB Jacob Clark Draws NFL Draft Interest

Quarterback leads group of 11 former Bears players showcasing skills for pro scouts

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Missouri State University will host an NFL pro day on Thursday featuring 11 former Bears football players, including quarterback Jacob Clark, who is drawing interest from ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. as a potential 2026 NFL Draft prospect. Clark, the best QB in MSU history, led the team to an 8-4 season and a No. 23 national ranking in 2024 before the program's transition to the FBS level.

Why it matters

Clark's pro day performance could significantly impact his NFL draft stock, as the 6-foot-5, 215-pound signal-caller looks to impress scouts and solidify his status as a potential mid-round draft pick. Missouri State is aiming to continue producing NFL talent as it transitions to the FBS level.

The details

Clark, a four-star recruit out of Texas, passed for 8,081 yards, 64 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 28 starts at Missouri State, breaking several program passing records. He was a two-time Manning Award Star of the Week winner as a senior and a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2024. Clark impressed at the American Bowl all-star game in January, earning MVP honors. He will be joined at the pro day by 10 other former Bears players, including running back Shomari Lawrence, receivers Dash Luke and Deamikkio Nathan, and several defensive standouts.

  • The NFL pro day will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Jacob Clark

A 6-foot-5, 215-pound quarterback who is considered the best in Missouri State history, passing for 8,081 yards, 64 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 28 starts. He was a two-time Manning Award Star of the Week winner and a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2024.

Shomari Lawrence

A running back who rushed for over 1,000 yards for Missouri State in 2025 and also played in the American Bowl all-star game.

Mel Kiper

The longest-standing and preeminent NFL Draft analyst for ESPN, who has Jacob Clark listed among his 'Just missed' quarterbacks in his February 2026 rankings.

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What they’re saying

“Jacob (Clark) is probably the best quarterback, in my opinion, in this league.”

— Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State head coach (sgfcitizen.org)

“It was a good week to get in front of NFL scouts. The coaching staff was all guys that have been in the NFL, so learning from them was good. Being able to practice with guys at a really high level and going up against defensive players that played at a really high level was good, too.”

— Jacob Clark (Daily Citizen)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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