Announcements that players have re-signed with their team for another season have largely drawn the ire of college football fans in recent weeks, but one such announcement that came across the desk on Friday will likely lead to some celebration in Columbia.
Ahmad Hardy will return in 2026.
Mizzou announced Friday afternoon that its star running back had re-signed his deal to remain with the program next season. Hardy, a consensus All-American, blossomed into one of college football’s best backs in his first season with the Tigers.
A transfer from Louisiana Monroe, Hardy was voted a finalist for the Doak Walker Award this season as the top running back in the country. He leads the nation in rushing yards per game (130) and is the only tailback with at least 200 carries and a yards-per-carry average above 6.4.
With the Gator Bowl left to add to his totals, Hardy has 1,560 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season. He topped 100 yards in each of his first 5 games and finished the regular season with 8 100-yard outings in 12 appearances.
On Nov. 15, he produced just the sixth 300-yard rushing performance in SEC history.
While Hardy isn’t draft-eligible yet, news of his return will put the minds of Mizzou fans at ease. Hardy and the Tigers will look to close out the season on Dec. 27 against Virginia in the Gator Bowl. Fans can bet on the game with this BetMGM Missouri bonus code.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
