Missouri announced Monday that running back Ahmad Hardy was shot early Sunday at a concert and is recovering in stable condition after surgery.
Hardy sustained the gunshot wound early Sunday morning at a concert in Mississippi, according to a team statement. He underwent surgery Sunday and remains hospitalized.
A statement from Mizzou Athletics on Ahmad Hardy pic.twitter.com/BnkcDIDSn7 — Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) May 11, 2026
The Tigers didn’t specify where Hardy was struck or provide details about the severity of his injuries.
Missouri said Hardy’s timeline to return to football activities is unknown. The program expects him to eventually get back on the field.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday there’s “optimism that Ahmad Hardy will play football again.” Thamel added that Hardy is “alert today and moving around.”
“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.”
Hardy transferred from Louisiana-Monroe last year and became one of the nation’s most productive running backs in his first season with the Tigers.
Hardy’s breakout season
Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games during the 2025 season.
| 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 |
He led all Power Four players in rushing yards last season, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Hardy chose to return to Missouri for his junior season rather than enter the transfer portal.
The junior was projected as a likely first-round NFL Draft prospect in 2027.
Hardy was expected to enter the 2026 season as one of college football’s top offensive weapons and a potential Heisman Trophy contender. How the shooting might impact those prospects remains unclear.
The Tigers brought Hardy in from Louisiana-Monroe, where he rushed for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024. He’s accumulated over 3,000 career rushing yards across two seasons.
