Ahmad Hardy Makes Mizzou History with AFCA First-Team All-America Selection
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Ahmad Hardy has officially etched his name into Mizzou football lore. On Tuesday, the standout running back was named to the AFCA FBS Coaches’ All-America First Team, adding yet another accolade to a season that’s been nothing short of spectacular. With this honor, Hardy becomes the first running back in Missouri program history to earn a first-team nod from the American Football Coaches Association - and just the 11th Tiger ever to do so.
This latest recognition only cements what fans and coaches have known all season: Hardy isn’t just one of the best in the SEC - he’s one of the best in the nation.
A Season to Remember
Hardy’s résumé this year reads like that of a player destined for greatness. A Doak Walker Award finalist, he led the country in rushing yards per game (130.0), outpacing every other back in the conference by a wide margin - 281 yards, to be exact. His total of 1,560 rushing yards ranks second nationally, and he punched in 16 rushing touchdowns, good for fourth in the country.
And then there’s the Mississippi State game - the kind of performance that becomes legend. Hardy ran for over 300 yards that night, marking just the sixth time in SEC history a back has crossed that threshold in a single game. It wasn’t just a highlight - it was a statement.
In total, Hardy posted eight 100-yard games this season, consistently proving he could carry the load and tilt the field in Mizzou’s favor. Whether it was breaking tackles, bursting through the second level, or showing patience behind the line, Hardy brought a complete package every Saturday.
The Honors Keep Coming
The AFCA recognition adds to a growing list of postseason accolades for Hardy. He’s already been named a First Team All-American by both the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Football Foundation, making him a consensus All-American - one of the most prestigious individual distinctions in college football.
He was also named SEC Newcomer of the Year, earned unanimous First Team All-SEC honors from the AP, and was selected First Team All-SEC by league coaches. On top of that, he landed a spot on the On3 All-America team. Simply put, Hardy’s trophy case might need an expansion.
What’s Next: Gator Bowl Showdown
Mizzou’s season isn’t over yet. The Tigers are gearing up for their 38th bowl appearance, a date with No.
20 Virginia in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday, December 27. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.
CT at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, with coverage on ABC and the Tiger Radio Network.
The matchup marks the first meeting between Mizzou and UVA since 1973 - a game the Tigers won 31-7 in Columbia. This time around, it’s No. 25 Mizzou (8-4) looking to cap off a strong season with a statement win against a 10-3 Cavaliers squad.
Fans looking to back the Tigers in person can purchase tickets through the official bowl site, while Mizzou season ticket holders and Athletics Fund donors will receive direct links to secure seats in the Mizzou section.
Hardy Joins Elite Company
With his selection, Hardy joins an exclusive group of Tigers who’ve earned First Team All-America honors from the AFCA. That list includes names like Shane Ray (2014), Michael Sam (2013), and Kellen Winslow (1978) - players who left their mark on Mizzou and beyond.
Here’s the full rundown of Mizzou’s AFCA First Team All-Americans:
- Ahmad Hardy (RB - 2025)
- Shane Ray (DE - 2014)
- Michael Sam (DE - 2013)
- Chase Coffman (TE - 2008)
- Martin Rucker (TE - 2007)
- Rob Riti (C - 1999)
- Kellen Winslow (TE - 1978)
- Henry Marshall (WR - 1975)
- Roger Wehrli (DB - 1968)
- Johnny Roland (DB - 1965)
- Danny LaRose (E - 1960)
It’s a group that represents the best of Mizzou football - and now, Ahmad Hardy is part of that legacy.
As the Tigers prepare for their bowl game, Hardy’s impact is already clear. He’s not just a star - he’s a game-changer, a record-setter, and now, an All-American in every sense of the word.