Mizzou Gymnastics Makes Program History with Top-7 Preseason Ranking, Football Star Ahmad Hardy Earns More All-American Honors
Mizzou fans have a lot to smile about heading into 2026. While the football team gears up for bowl season and the basketball squad prepares for SEC play, it’s the gymnastics program that’s quietly making history - and sending a loud message to the rest of the country.
For the first time ever, Missouri Gymnastics will enter the season ranked inside the top eight nationally. The Tigers landed at No. 7 in the 2026 Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) preseason poll, their highest preseason ranking in program history. It’s a significant leap for a team that’s been steadily climbing the national ranks over the past few years.
To put it in perspective, Mizzou’s previous best preseason rankings came in 2023 and 2025, when they started the year at No. 9.
But after a 2025 campaign that saw the Tigers finish third in the nation, it’s clear this program is no longer just knocking on the door - it’s firmly in the national conversation. Missouri was one of just five teams to receive votes for the No. 1 spot in this year's poll.
Head coach Shannon Welker, who has overseen this rise, credited the program’s culture and work ethic.
“Being ranked seventh in the WCGA preseason poll is a reflection of the work our student-athletes and staff have put in to build this program the right way,” Welker said. “It speaks to the consistency, belief and standard that now exists at Mizzou gymnastics.”
And that standard is being measured against the very best. All nine SEC gymnastics programs are ranked in the top 12 of the preseason poll - a testament to just how deep and competitive the conference has become.
Reigning national champion Oklahoma leads the way at No. 1, followed by LSU at No. 2 and Florida at No. 3.
Missouri won’t have an easy path in 2026 - not that they’d want one. Every one of their 13 scheduled opponents is either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason poll.
The Tigers open their season on January 4 at home against Iowa State, the first team left out of the top 25. It’s a schedule built for a contender, and Missouri looks ready to meet the challenge.
Ahmad Hardy Adds Another All-American Honor to His Historic Season
Switching over to the gridiron, the accolades keep rolling in for Mizzou’s breakout star Ahmad Hardy. After becoming the first running back in school history to earn Walter Camp First Team All-American honors, Hardy added another feather to his cap - he’s now the 13th player in Mizzou history to be named to the AP First Team All-American list.
It’s been a dream season for the Tigers’ backfield anchor, and the national recognition is well deserved. Hardy’s combination of power, vision, and breakaway speed turned him into one of the most dangerous weapons in college football this year. And while the transfer portal continues to swirl with activity, Hardy made it clear where his loyalty lies.
“I think they know I’m a Tiger so they ain’t hitting me up,” he said when asked if other programs had reached out.
That’s the kind of answer that fires up a fan base - and probably gives opposing defensive coordinators a headache.
Scouting the Bowl Opponent: Virginia
Looking ahead to bowl season, Missouri draws Virginia in what shapes up to be a chess match more than a shootout. Virginia doesn’t blow teams out, but they stay in games by doing the little things right: winning field position battles, converting on third downs, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities - even if it’s just three points instead of seven.
Defensively, they hang their hat on pass coverage and turnovers. It’s not the most sustainable formula over the long haul, but when it works, it frustrates opponents and keeps games tight.
Sound familiar? Missouri has made a living this season doing many of the same things.
This matchup feels like the right kind of test for Missouri - a chance to close out the year against a disciplined Power Five opponent, rather than a mid-major they’d be expected to beat by three touchdowns. It’s a final exam of sorts for a Tigers team that’s grown in all three phases.
Around the Program: Coaching Carousel, Contract Extensions, and SEC Recognition
The conversation around Missouri football continues off the field, too. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz recently inked a contract extension, solidifying his place at the helm of a program that’s seen steady improvement under his watch. There’s also been plenty of buzz around the transfer portal and how Missouri is navigating the shifting landscape of college football.
On the basketball side, the Tigers are gearing up for SEC play, with fans eager to see how the team stacks up against the conference’s best. The forums are buzzing with discussion on prospects, visits, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades - all signs of a fan base that’s locked in across multiple sports.
Final Word
Whether it’s the historic rise of the gymnastics program, the All-American campaign of Ahmad Hardy, or the steady hand guiding football and basketball into the heart of SEC competition, Mizzou is making noise across the board. There’s a sense of momentum in Columbia - and it’s not just one sport carrying the load.
If the Tigers keep building like this, 2026 could be a year to remember.