Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy — one of college football’s most explosive players last season — was shot at a concert in Mississippi in the early hours of Sunday morning. The school confirmed Monday that Hardy underwent surgery and is now in stable condition.
Hardy is alert, moving around, and sources close to the situation say there is genuine optimism that he will play football again. Missouri released a statement expressing full support for the player and his family. “Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans,” the school said. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support.”
The timeline for his return to football activities remains unknown. The extent of the impact on his playing career has yet to be determined, though early signs are cautiously encouraging.
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One of College Football’s Best Running Backs in 2025
Hardy’s shooting sends shockwaves through college football because of just how dominant he was last season. The 2025 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. Hardy finished second among all FBS players with 1,649 rushing yards, scored 16 touchdowns, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry on 256 attempts. He earned first-team All-SEC honours and was named SEC Newcomer of the Year — extraordinary recognition for a player in his first season with the programme.
Hardy is from Oma, Mississippi — the state where the shooting took place. He transferred to Missouri from UL Monroe ahead of the 2025 season, having already shown his quality with 1,351 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 237 attempts during his final year with the Warhawks. Missouri landed one of the most productive running backs in the transfer portal — and within one season, he had justified every bit of that excitement.
The Tigers will now wait. So will the rest of college football.
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