Ahmad Hardy will reportedly be unavailable for Week 1, Mizzou sets target for return
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Ahmad Hardy will not suit up for Mizzou football to start the 2026-27 season, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Saturday.
There is some relatively good news, though: The Tigers are reportedly eyeing a mid-September return for the star running back, who is working his way back to full action after suffering a gunshot wound to the upper leg at a concert in May.
The question now is this: how ready will Hardy be? The All-SEC back still has not practiced, and he’ll have little time to work his way into the Tigers’ SEC schedule.
If Hardy can hold a candle to his production from last season, it’ll be a major win for Missouri. Hardy posted an incredible 1,649 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns at an average of 6.4 yards per carry in 2025 — he’s a Heisman-level talent if he’s still able to maneuver himself the way he did last season. Obviously, that’s a big “if.”
A “mid-September” return still leaves some on the table. The Tigers are set to face off against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3 to start the 2026 season. In Week 2 on Sept. 11, Mizzou will battle against rival Kansas in Lawrence before returning home to face Troy on September 19. A final date to note, Missouri opens SEC play on September 26 at Mississippi State.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
