ST. LOUIS -- Missouri has reinstated Maty Mauk, the quarterback who was twice suspended last season.
New coach Barry Odom confirmed the move Wednesday before the annual Braggin' Rights basketball game between Illinois and Missouri.
"I believe in guys having opportunities and chances," Odom said.
Odom said he was convinced after meeting with Mauk that he was excited about rejoining the program and wanted to make it official before players left for the holiday break. Mauk has one year of eligibility remaining and could contend with freshman Drew Lock for the starting job next season. He said the two had "long talks" the last few days.
"I wanted to hear really what he wanted. Did he want to be here? Did he want to get his degree? Does he want to play football?" Odom said.
The first suspension was for a violation of program policies in late September and then-coach Gary Pinkel declined to state the reason for the second suspension.
Missouri was 5-7 in Pinkel's final season before resigning a few months after being diagnosed with cancer. The Tigers begin winter workouts Jan. 18.
"We need to go to work, and the depth chart will take care of itself," Odom said.
Mauk is 17-5 as the starter and had six touchdown passes and four interceptions in four games last season.
"Expectations for that position, fair or not, that's life," Odom said. "We'll take it a day at a time, see where it ends up."
