College Football4 hours ago2 minute read

Missouri Running Back Ahmad Hardy Returns Months After Shooting

Ahmad Hardy returned to action for Missouri after recovering from a leg injury suffered in a May shooting.

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Hardy returns to the field

Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy made his return to action on Saturday night in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The 20 year old back entered the game late in the first quarter, drawing a loud ovation from the Missouri fans in the crowd.

Hardy finished Missouri's 34-10 win with two carries for five yards, including a key first down. It was his first time playing in nearly six months after recovering from a serious leg injury.

"It felt the same," Hardy said about taking game contact again. "My body is fully healed, so it's nothing different. Everybody has been there every day, literally from coaches to staff to the players. Everybody has been real supportive and I'm taking heed to that."

Recovery from the shooting

Hardy was wounded on May 10 when he was shot in the leg as a bystander at an outdoor concert in Laurel, Mississippi. Police arrested a suspect in the shooting and charged them with two felony counts of aggravated assault.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz indicated that Hardy needed a metal rod inserted in his femur during his recovery. Hardy admitted that being away from the game caused his mind to wander at times, but he pushed through by reading his Bible and staying close to his teammates.

"Me, mentally, I'm a very strong mental person," Hardy said. "Whatever I put my mind to, I can do it. If the good Lord said I can do it then I can do it."

Before the injury, Hardy had a dominant 2025 season. He ran for 1,649 yards and set a school record with 16 touchdowns.

Support from coaches and teammates

Coach Drinkwitz praised Hardy in his opening statement after the game, expressing how proud he was of the young running back after a very difficult challenge.

Jamal Roberts, who led the Tigers with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown against Arkansas, was also glad to have Hardy back in the rotation. Roberts noted that Hardy remained in good spirits and had high hopes throughout his long recovery process.

What it means for the next game

Having Hardy back in uniform gives Missouri extra depth in the backfield as they turn their focus to the next game on the schedule.

Texas Longhorns at Missouri Tigers (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Missouri Tigers win 41%, Texas Longhorns win 59%; projected score Missouri Tigers 23, Texas Longhorns 25. Our safest pick: Missouri +13.5.