Star running back Ahmad Hardy was shot early on Sunday during a concert, and Missouri confirmed on Monday morning that he is recovering in stable condition following surgery.
In his first season with the Tigers, Hardy—a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe last year—was among the most productive running backs in the country, carrying for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games, solidifying his status as a possible first-round NFL Draft contender in 2027.
As one of the most intriguing returning players in the SEC going into the offseason, Hardy chose to return to Missouri for his junior year rather than use the transfer portal.
The most recent information about the Missouri star’s shooting is provided here.
According to a statement issued by Missouri on Monday, Hardy was wounded early on Sunday morning at a concert in Mississippi and had surgery. He had surgery on Sunday, and his status is stable.
The Tigers did not specify the extent of Hardy’s injuries, nor did the program specify where in his body he was struck. It is possible for someone to be both stable and in a critical or catastrophic condition.Ahmad is adored by his teammates, coaches, friends, family, and supporters, according to Missouri. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support.”
Hardy’s timing for returning to football activities is undetermined, according to Missouri, which at least suggests the Tigers anticipate his eventual return to the field. Pete Thamel of ESPN stated on Monday that there is “optimism that Ahmad Hardy will play football again,” noting that Hardy is “alert today and moving around.”
Ahmad Hardy stats
| Season | School | Games | Rush att. | Rush yards | TD | YPC |
| 2024 | Louisiana-Monroe | 12 | 237 | 1,351 | 13 | 5.7 |
| 2025 | Missouri | 13 | 256 | 1,649 | 16 | 6.4 |
| Career | 25 | 493 | 3,000 | 29 | 6.1
|
Hardy averaged 6.4 yards per game and scored 16 touchdowns on the ground for Missouri in 2025, leading all Power Four players with 1,649 rushing yards.
Hardy was anticipated to enter 2026 as one of the country’s best offensive weapons and a likely Heisman contender in addition to a potential first-round choice, despite his troubles in big games often keeping him out of the center of the Heisman Trophy talk. It’s yet unclear how the shooting would affect those aspirations.
