Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz shared another positive update regarding running back Ahmad Hardy on Tuesday.
Drinkwitz told reporters that Hardy has been officially discharged from the hospital as he recovers from a shooting that took place earlier this month. Per the coach, Hardy is back in Columbia and is working with team doctors and trainers with the hope of being able to play for the Tigers in 2026.
However, Drinkwitz said it’s not yet clear whether a return to the field this season will be possible.
“It’ll be several weeks before we actually get a timeline,” Drinkwitz said. “There’s some internal healing that has to occur before we get to any type of strenuous activities which would then dictate a timeline on his return.
“But the most important thing is he’s been discharged from the hospital and he’s in Columbia. He’s working with physical therapists and our athletic training staff to get back to normal.”
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Hardy was shot in the leg after a concert on May 10 in Mississippi. He underwent surgery before returning to Columbia last week.
Whether or not Hardy can play in 2026 will have a significant impact on the Tigers’ offense. Hardy led the SEC in rushing a year ago with 1,649 yards. He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Mizzou will hope to have a firm update on his status in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Tigers will soon begin summer workouts in preparation for the 2026 season.
Mizzou will open the upcoming campaign against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
