Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz calls fan message boards a 'cesspool' when giving an Ahmad Hardy non-update

Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz calls fan message boards a 'cesspool' when giving an Ahmad Hardy non-update

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 9:55 PM ET

Missouri Tigers head coach Eli Drinkwitz doesn't want to talk about star running back Ahmad Hardy every week with the media.

Hardy hasn't played yet this season as he's trying to recover from a gunshot wound in his upper leg.

There has been some talk around the internet that the 2025 All-American has begun a two-week ramp-up period in practice as he tries to make a comeback.

That speculation is false, and Drinkwitz is tired of talking about them.

"I answered that question last week and I tried to say the same thing. I really don't want to have to answer that question every week and I will tell y'all when there's an update," Drinkwitz said, per SI.com. "Contrary to what's on the cesspool of message boards, there's no update. He hasn't began a two-week ramp up period."

Eli Drinkwitz asked to comment on Ahmad Hardy rumors

“I will tell you all when there’s an update. Contrary to what’s on the cesspool of message boards.”

“If he practices, I promise I’ll tweet it out. I won’t even give it to Pete (Thamel).” pic.twitter.com/WufbpgH3KY
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 13, 2026

Ahmad Hardy not yet ready to return for Missouri Tigers

The Tigers would love to get Hardy back, of course. Even without him, they're 5-1 and ranked No. 13 in the country. They've picked up two good wins in a row, over No. 8 Florida and then a blowout against Texas A&M, but there are still some tough games remaining on their schedule.

That includes a game coming up against No. 9 Ole Miss, but No. 7 Texas, No. 1 Georgia and No. 15 Kentucky still lie ahead.

In the meantime, Mizzou is being led by senior Jamal Roberts on the ground, who has 828 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season.

And as far as updates on Hardy are concerned?

“If he practices, I promise I’ll tweet it out. I won’t even give it to [ESPN reporter] Pete [Thamel]," Drinkwitz said with a smile. "We'll just do it ourselves."

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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