After taking care of business against Arkansas with a 31-17 win, Missouri not only wrapped up the regular season at a strong 8-4, but also climbed back into the AP Top 25. That’s a solid finish for the Tigers, but the biggest headline coming out of that game might not be the score-it’s the future of star running back Ahmad Hardy.
Hardy, the electric transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, has been nothing short of a revelation this season. He’s racked up 1,560 rushing yards-second-most in the nation, trailing only Jacksonville State’s Cam Cook-and has earned himself a spot as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
That kind of production doesn’t just get you trophies; it gets attention. And with the transfer portal about to heat up, Hardy’s name was expected to be front and center.
But then came a postgame quote that might have changed the entire offseason outlook for Missouri fans.
When asked about head coach Eli Drinkwitz’s contract extension, Hardy didn’t mince words: “All I know is he’s staying, so that’s good for me.”
That’s the kind of comment that makes Tigers fans breathe a little easier. While Hardy isn’t yet eligible for the NFL Draft-he’s still got another year before that door opens-he could absolutely test the transfer market if he wanted to.
And let’s be real: plenty of programs would line up for a shot at landing one of the most productive backs in the country. But if Hardy’s words are any indication, he’s not looking to go anywhere, especially now that Drinkwitz is locked in.
It’s a huge win for Missouri, both on and off the field. Keeping Drinkwitz in Columbia was already a major move for the program’s stability, and if that helps keep Hardy in black and gold for another season, it’s a double victory. Continuity matters, especially when you’re trying to build something sustainable in the ever-shifting landscape of college football.
Drinkwitz, for his part, made it crystal clear how he feels about Hardy’s value-not just to Missouri, but to the national conversation.
“I think he’s proven he’s the best, most-consistent ‘back in college football,” Drinkwitz said. “Whether he wins the (Doak Walker Award), that’s for committees to decide, and y’all know how I feel about committees.
We’ll see. But it’s really not close who’s the best ‘back in college football.”
That’s high praise-and it’s not just coach-speak. Hardy has been the engine of Missouri’s offense all season long.
His vision, burst, and ability to finish runs have set him apart in a conference known for its physical defenses. Week after week, he’s delivered, and he’s done it with a consistency that’s rare at the college level.
So the big question now: will Ahmad Hardy run it back in 2026?
The door’s open, and the signs are encouraging. Nothing’s official, and in today’s college football landscape, things can change fast. But for now, Missouri fans have reason to believe their star running back-and the heart of their offense-might just be sticking around a little longer.
And if that happens, the Tigers won’t just be a team to watch next fall. They’ll be a serious problem for the rest of the SEC.