Ahmad Hardy isn’t just one of the top running backs in college football-he might also be the best hype man in the game. As he preps for what’s shaping up to be a monster 2026 season with the Tigers, Hardy is making sure the football world doesn’t overlook his former teammate, wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., who's currently turning heads at the Senior Bowl.
Hardy’s support hasn’t exactly been subtle. He’s taken to social media with the kind of energy you want in your corner, posting clips and messages that make it clear: if NFL teams are sleeping on Coleman, it’s time to wake up.
“Kevin Coleman is the guy you’re looking for 😉,” Hardy tweeted, followed by another post urging, “I’m tying to tell ya 💯 somebody better realize.”
And Hardy might be onto something.
Coleman, a former Mizzou standout, is showing out in Mobile. He’s not the biggest receiver in the draft pool, but his quickness, agility, and explosiveness out of the slot are hard to miss. He’s been stacking highlight-reel catches during one-on-ones at Senior Bowl practices, the kind of reps that make scouts sit up in their chairs.
He’s currently projected to go somewhere between the third and fifth round in April’s NFL Draft, but strong performances in Mobile often have a way of shifting those projections. And with the way Coleman has been performing, he’s doing exactly what he needs to boost his stock.
Looking back at his season with the Tigers, Coleman led the team in receptions with 66 catches for 732 yards and a touchdown. Solid numbers, especially considering the Tigers’ passing game wasn’t exactly lighting it up this year. It’s not hard to imagine those stats looking even better with more consistent quarterback play.
Still, Coleman’s contributions were somewhat overshadowed by Hardy’s breakout campaign. Hardy emerged as one of the premier backs in the country, and with his own NFL future likely not far off, he’s using his growing platform to shine a light on his teammate’s talent.
Coleman isn’t the only Tiger making noise at the Senior Bowl. Defensive standouts Zion Young and Chris McClellan are also in Mobile, continuing what’s been a strong draft cycle for Missouri. In total, at least five Tigers could hear their names called in April, a testament to the program’s development under Eli Drinkwitz.
That said, Coleman’s departure is part of a larger shake-up in Mizzou’s wide receiver room. Several receivers exited the program this offseason, prompting a full rebuild via the transfer portal. With Donovan Olugbode returning, the Tigers will now lean on new faces like Cayden Lee, Caleb Goodie, and Naeshawn Montgomery to carry the load in 2026.
But right now, all eyes are on Mobile-and Kevin Coleman Jr. is making the most of his moment. The tape speaks for itself. Just ask Ahmad Hardy.