Missouri gets timely boost as Ahmad Hardy prepares to make season debut

Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Missouri gets timely boost as Ahmad Hardy prepares to make season debut

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 29, 2026 7:27 PM ET

When looking ahead at the 2026 season, the Missouri Tigers were expected to have one of the top running back duos in the country with Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts.

Prior to the season opener, Hardy was involved in an off-field incident that has caused him to miss the entire season thus far. That will be coming to an end Saturday, though, with the latest update provided Thursday afternoon.

Ahmad Hardy will make his season debut on Saturday

According to ESPN's college football insider Pete Thamel, Hardy is in line to make his season debut on Saturday against unranked Arkansas.

According to Thamel, Hardy won't immediately return as the starting running back, but he will get a handful of carries to get back in the flow of game action.

Hardy's last time on the field against Arkansas was a big day, as he rushed 27 times for 157 yards with a touchdown. That game was just one stellar effort in a season that he totaled 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Sources: Missouri All-American RB Ahmad Hardy will make his season debut this weekend at Arkansas. He’s not going to start, but he’s expected to get a handful of carries for Missouri. Hardy returned to practice this week after dealing with the injury complications of being struck… pic.twitter.com/IMyao2MWd2
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 29, 2026

Ahmad Hardy is a tank pic.twitter.com/v8igGhukOo
— Represent Mizzou (@RepresentMizzou) November 29, 2025

Missouri's ground game is getting a major boost

Without its All-American this season, Missouri has struggled to get going on the ground. It has averaged 161.3 rushing yards per game which ranks ninth in the SEC and 64th overall in the country.

While it will be a gradual return, Hardy's presence in the backfield will be a major boost to a ground attack that was expected to be among the best in the country.

It will be interesting to see just how good Hardy looks and see if he can help Missouri make a late season push toward a College Football Playoff berth.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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