Progress is no longer enough. That is the reality facing the Missouri Tigers as they enter another season under Eli Drinkwitz. For the past few years, the trajectory has been clear. After early struggles, the program found its footing with double-digit wins, sustained competitiveness and a legitimate presence in the national conversation. By most measures, that qualifies as a successful rebuild. What once felt like a breakthrough now feels like a baseline. Winning eight to 10 games is no longer the goal. It is the expectation. The next step is clear, and it is significantly harder to reach. Becoming a true contender. That is where the conversation shifts from praise to pressure. Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz prior to a game. | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images The expanded College Football Playoff has created opportunity, but it has also created urgency. More teams have a path, which means more programs believe they should be included.…