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Today we’re talking about Ahmad Hardy
Another media outlet, another All-American honor for Ahmad Hardy.
The star-studded running back was named an ESPN All-American, landing on their first-team.
From ESPN:
Perhaps no running back in the country was more difficult to tackle this fall than Hardy, who emerged as the second-leading rusher in the FBS during his debut season at Missouri. Per ESPN Research, the Louisiana-Monroe
transfer ranked first nationally in yards after first contact (1,183), second in yards per attempt among rushers with 200-plus attempts (6.44) and fifth in missed tackles (91). Hardy ultimately totaled 16 touchdowns and eight 100-plus yard performances, including a 300-yard effort against Mississippi State that stood as the most productive single-game rushing effort in all of the FBS this past fall. A first-team All-SEC selection, Hardy will lead the Tigers’ backfield attack once again in 2026 as one of the nation’s top returning rushers. — Lederman
Can you say a dark horse Heisman contender next season? Hardy comes in at 80/1 odds ranking just outside the top 30.
Hardy highlights some high expectations for Mizzou next season as the Tigers comes in some way-too-early Top 25 rankings. From RJ Young on FOX Sports — Missouri comes in at No. 15.
Per Max Chadwick of PFF College — Mizzou comes in at No. 20.
Missouri failed to have a double-digit win season for the first time in three years, but the Tigers still had a solid year overall. Mizzou returns the best running back in the country in Ahmad Hardy, whose 1,181 yards after contact led all backs in the nation. Either sophomore Matt Zollers or Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons will be the one handing him the ball next season. The defense lost some stars, but brought in a talented linebacker in Robert Woodyard Jr. from Auburn.
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The loss puts the Tigers on the wrong side of the bubble following a hot start to the new year. Despite the loss, Mizzou will have plenty of opportunity to right their wrongs and sneak into the NCAA Tournament in March.
The first home loss of the season for Mizzou puts a dent in their NCAA Tournament hopes. Still some time, but plenty of work to be done.
Laulea gives the Tigers a high-floor, high-ceiling type of talent that could be a difference maker in 2026.
Anytime you can get a transfer from Oregon, the potential is there.
While not expected to play significant snaps on defense in 2026, his versatility and experience in multiple roles should make him a useful rotational option across the defensive front throughout the season.
Nothing wrong with adding a depth piece from a power conference program.
Missouri’s tournament hopes aren’t dashed, but they’re on life support. They’ve watched three very winnable games slip away from them since the start of SEC play. And after starting 2-0, losing three of the next four is tough to swallow.
But this league isn’t good, and every game is likely to be some kind of cocktail mix of what we’ve experienced so far. Close, late, and left up to the fates.
It was a huge, missed opportunity at home against Georgia. That’s for sure. Now Mizzou desperately needs to make up for it.
Rock M Radio’s Dive Cuts: The up and down Tigers get ready for Georgia, Oklahoma
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