Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz met with reporters on Sunday afternoon as the Tigers prepare to start fall camp this week.
One question Drinkwitz answered concerned star running back Ahmad Hardy, who has been recovering from an offseason shooting. Drinkwitz said at SEC Media Days that Hardy has been “medically cleared,” but is not yet at a point where he can be a full participant in practice.
“He will not be a participant in practice this week but he will be a participant in rehab and walk-throughs,” Drinkwitz said. “As we continue to get him acclimated to what it would take to play football … I think maybe in 2 weeks there may be another update on where everything is that.”
When healthy, Hardy is regarded as one of the very best offensive players in the country. He led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards last season and was a candidate for the Doak Walker Award.
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If Hardy has to miss time during the regular season, Mizzou will still have proven options at running back. Jamal Roberts is back for another campaign and the Tigers added a pair of transfer running backs via the portal this offseason to help build up its backfield.
Mizzou will open the 2026 season 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.
