Ahmad Hardy Set for Missouri Season Debut Against Arkansas

Hardy is set to make his 2026 debut when Missouri visits Arkansas on October 31. The running back returned to practice this week after recovering from a gunshot wound to his leg in May. He is expected to play, but not start, and could get a handful of carries.

Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz had not offered a timetable for Hardy’s return earlier this week, saying the team would assess how he handled practices and whether he could protect himself and reach full speed. Hardy had missed the Tigers’ first seven games and had been listed as out on earlier availability reports. He was not on the SEC availability report released Wednesday.

Hardy had a record-setting 2025 season, rushing for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns. He led the SEC in rushing yards and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Jamal Roberts, who backed up Hardy last year, has started in his absence and gained 867 yards with eight touchdowns through seven games this season. Roberts is expected to start against Arkansas.

Missouri is 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, while Arkansas is 3-4 and 1-3. The teams are scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m. in Fayetteville. Hardy’s playing time will depend on his recovery and readiness to return to competition.