Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy in Stable Condition After Being Shot at Concert
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy is in stable condition after he was shot at a concert early Sunday morning in Mississippi. According to a statement from the school, Hardy underwent surgery for the gunshot wound.
"Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family, and fans. We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength, and support," the program said in the same statement.
Hardy's status for the 2026 season is unknown. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, "there's optimism that he will play football again." However, the timeline for a return is uncertain.
A statement from Mizzou Athletics on Ahmad Hardy pic.twitter.com/BnkcDIDSn7
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) May 11, 2026
In 13 games for Missouri last year, Hardy ran for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns and was a first-team All-SEC selection. He averaged 126.9 yards a contest and thrived at production after contact and breaking tackles from opposing defenders. Hardy gashed Mississippi State for 300 yards on 25 carries on Nov. 15 and ran for 157 yards in a 31-17 win over Arkansas on Nov. 29. Hardy led the SEC in rushing and ranked No. 2 nationally in yards per game (126.85 per contest).
Hardy is arguably college football's top returning running back in ‘26. The Mississippi native was an early first-team pick on Athlon Sports' way-too-early All-America team for ‘26.
Jamal Roberts returns in Missouri's backfield after rushing for 753 yards and six scores last year and could see an increased role if Hardy is sidelined for any length of time in the ‘26 campaign.
Missouri's offense returns three starters up front, including likely preseason All-American in Cayden Green. Coach Eli Drinkwitz's squad also landed promising Ole Miss transfer quarterback Austin Simmons in hopes of jumpstarting a passing game that averaged only 188 yards a contest last season.
Missouri opens the '26 season on Sept. 3 with Arkansas-Pine Bluff, followed by a Friday night showdown against rival Kansas on Sept. 11. The Tigers start SEC play with a trip to Mississippi State on Sept. 26.
Related: College Football's Pre-Spring Rankings: Top 10 Running Backs for 2026
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 1:28 PM.