They were led by second-year head coach Bobby Petrino, and played their home games at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Missouri.

QB Jason Shelley broke several school records in total offense and passing yards.

[2] They added four players from the state including late addition Kaden McMullen[3] who was the best QB in Missouri and number 5 in the 2021 class according to ESPN.

Several players have started right away on offense like Junior QB Jason Shelley from Utah State, Senior OL Sean Fitzgerald from Coastal Carolina, Sophomore WR Ty Scott from Central Michigan, and RS Senior WR Xavier Lane from Western Kentucky.

Defensively, Senior LB Dimitri Moore from Vanderbilt, Freshman DB Donovan Clark from Boise State, and Junior CB Javian Smith have all made impacts.

Scott, running backs coach Ronnie Fouch and defensive coordinator Ryan Beard also earned extensions and raises.

The Bears opened the season at Big 12 member Oklahoma State with a night game at Boone Pickens Stadium; where they lost a close matchup, 23–16.

The Bears returned home for 2 straight at Plaster Stadium when they faced off with Central Arkansas and their first conference game with South Dakota for family weekend.

A rematch of the playoff game from last season with North Dakota at home awaited the team and after a frantic 4th quarter comeback they got their revenge and won 32–28.

A late non-conference road trip to St. George to new division 1 school Dixie State ended the regular season for the Bears.

After qualifying for the FCS Playoffs, Missouri State hosted their first home play off game since 1990.