Mizzou’s Ahmad Hardy wins AP Newcomer of the Year award
By David Wasson
Published:
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy earned a major accolade Thursday, as the sophomore was named Associated Press SEC Newcomer of the Year.
Hardy transferred from UL-Monroe to Mizzou and made an instant impact in 2025, rushing for 1,560 yards on 241 carries and 16 touchdowns. Hardy also caught 6 passes for 22 yards for the 8-4 Tigers, who are set to play No. 19 Virginia (10-3) in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 27 (7:30 pm ET, ABC).
Hardy, who is among the 3 national finalists for the prestigious Doak Walker Award given to the nation’s top running back, led the nation in rushing on a per-game basis (130.0 YPG) while leading all Doak Walker finalists and ranking second nationally in rushing
Hardy racked up 8 100-yard games and just the sixth 300-yard rushing performance in SEC history against Mississippi State on Nov. 15 – gashing the Bulldogs for 300 yards on 25 carries and 3 touchdowns. His 16 rushing scores ranked fourth nationally, and Hardy rushed for 281 more yards than any other back in the SEC.
As a unanimous choice, Hardy was one of 3 AP All-SEC first-team selections, joining offensive linemen Keagen Trost and Cayden Green. Mizzou linebacker Josiah Trotter and defensive tackle Chris McClellan were named to the second team.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
