Springfield’s own Jacob Clark broke new ground for Missouri State football on Thursday when he entered the final seconds of the Las Vegas Raiders’ preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. The 6‑foot‑5, 220‑pound quarterback completed a pass on his first snap, becoming the first former Missouri State Bear to play in an NFL preseason or regular‑season contest.
From Springfield to the NFL
Clark signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in April after a record‑setting career at Missouri State University. Over 28 starts he amassed 8,081 passing yards on a 67 % completion rate, threw 64 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. His senior year, the 2024 season, saw the Bears finish 8‑4, earn a No. 23 national ranking in the final FCS Coaches Poll, and earn a spot in the 2025 Xbox Bowl – the program’s first Football Bowl Subdivision appearance.
Before his time at Missouri State, Clark was a four‑star recruit from Rockwall, Texas, and began his college career at Minnesota. Earlier in 2026 he was named MVP of the American Bowl, a senior all‑star showcase in Florida, after engineering a game‑winning drive for his team.
Raiders roster and upcoming cuts
Clark joins a crowded quarterback room on the Raiders’ 90‑man roster, which includes veteran Kirk Cousins, 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, and veteran Aidan O’Connell. The team will soon trim the roster to the league‑mandated 53 players, with additional spots on the practice squad.
Five other Missouri State alumni from the 2024‑2025 classes are also on NFL 90‑man rosters: running back Jacardia Wright with the Seattle Seahawks, tight end Lance Mason with the Pittsburgh Steelers, cornerback Jordan Dunbar with the Buffalo Bills, and linebacker Tahj Chambers with the Indianapolis Colts.
What this means for Springfield and Missouri State
Clark’s appearance provides a tangible example for current Bear athletes and local high‑school players that a path from Springfield to the professional ranks is possible. The achievement also shines a spotlight on Missouri State’s football program, which has worked to elevate its profile after moving from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2025.
Fans and alumni gathered at local sports bars and on social media to celebrate the milestone, noting that Clark’s success reflects the dedication of coaches, families, and the broader Springfield community that supported him throughout his journey.
Looking ahead
While the Raiders fell 18‑12 to the 49ers in the preseason contest, Clark’s brief appearance may be just the beginning of a longer professional career. As the team finalizes its roster, his performance in practice and preseason games will determine whether he earns a spot on the active roster or joins the practice squad.
For now, Missouri State can claim a historic first, and Springfield can take pride in seeing one of its own take the first steps onto the NFL stage.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
