Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy set to return after shooting

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 22:38 · Archive

Ahmad Hardy, Missouri's 2025 SEC rushing leader, is expected to play Saturday against Arkansas five months after being shot at a Mississippi concert.

Ahmad Hardy, Missouri's All-American running back, is set to return to action on Saturday against Arkansas, nearly six months after being shot at a rap concert in Laurel, Mississippi. Hardy, 20, led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns last season before the incident in May. ESPN reported that he will not start but is expected to receive a handful of carries.

Hardy was shot in the upper leg whilst in a vehicle attempting to leave the concert at Kamakazy Biker Club after gunfire erupted in the parking lot. He underwent surgery in Mississippi and returned to Missouri three days later. He has spent the first half of the season rehabilitating and returned to practice this week.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz had been cautious about Hardy's return timeline earlier in the week. During Hardy's absence, running back Jamal Roberts has emerged as a top SEC performer, rushing for 867 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games. Missouri enters the match ranked No. 23 with a 5-2 record.

How it is being reported

• All-American Ahmad Hardy making Missouri return months after getting shotLess than six months after being shot, All-American running back Ahmad Hardy is expected to play for Missouri against Arkansas on Saturday.New York Post · 29 Oct, 22:28
• Missouri football superstar Ahmad Hardy set for long-awaited return after recovering from being shot at Mississippi rap concertThe 20-year-old running back, who led the SEC in rushing yards in 2025, was shot at a rap concert in Mississippi during the offseason, just weeks after welcoming his first-born son into the world.Daily Mail Sport · 29 Oct, 22:02

In this story: Ahmad Hardy · Missouri · Arkansas · Laurel · Mississippi · Eli Drinkwitz · Jamal Roberts

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