Missouri football head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirmed that star running back Ahmad Hardy was shot and wounded in Mississippi after attending a concert, sustaining a gunshot wound to his upper leg that required surgery.
Hardy was released from the hospital and is now undergoing rehabilitation at the university’s medical center, though the exact timeline for his return to play in 2026 remains undetermined.
During the previous season Hardy topped the SEC in rushing yards, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense and attracting projections of a first‑round selection in next year’s NFL Draft.
With Hardy’s availability in question, the coaching staff has indicated that backup Jamal Roberts, who amassed 753 yards and six touchdowns last year, is poised to assume the primary ball‑carrying role if the recovery does not progress as hoped.
Rehabilitation and Roster Outlook
The roster also welcomes two new running back transfers, Xai’Shaun Edwards and Malae Fonoti, who were signed earlier this offseason to add depth at the position.
The medical team at Missouri Orthopedic Institute and MU Health Care are collaborating on Hardy’s recovery, while the program evaluates how the incoming transfers might complement Roberts in a backfield that aims to maintain its offensive potency despite the setback.