Ahmad Hardy ranks among ESPN’s top-10 midseason players in college football
By Derek Hryn
Published:
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy has made a splash in ESPN’s midseason Top 25 player rankings, landing at No. 8 and solidifying himself as one of the nation’s premier rushers through Week 8 of the 2025 season.
Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Max Olson:
Hardy had an impressive freshman season at UL Monroe in 2024 and has taken his game to another level as the leading rusher in the SEC by a margin of nearly 200 yards. Hardy began his Tigers career with five consecutive 100-yard performances, including a career-high 250 against Louisiana. His toughness and ability to make defenders miss, with 511 rushing yards after contact (3rd in FBS) and 52 forced missed tackles (2nd), has made him a perfect fit for coach Eli Drinkwitz’s rushing attack.
Hardy, who entered the season ranked No. 91 on ESPN’s preseason list, has already recorded 782 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through six games. His explosive play has been a key factor for Missouri as the Tigers continue to climb in the SEC standings.
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Hardy joins a midseason Top 25 that also features standouts like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in the top five.
Mizzou will go on the road to face Auburn in Week 8.
