Ahmad Hardy Adds Another All-America Honor, Cements Legacy in Mizzou History
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The postseason accolades keep rolling in for Mizzou running back Ahmad Hardy, and at this point, it’s not just recognition - it’s legacy. Hardy was named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America Second Team on Thursday, adding yet another honor to what has been a spectacular season for the Tigers’ star back.
This latest nod puts Hardy in elite company. Already named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation, American Football Coaches Association, and Sporting News, Hardy has earned consensus All-American status - just the 17th player in Mizzou history to do so. One more first-team selection and he would’ve joined an even more exclusive club as only the fourth unanimous All-American in program history, alongside names like Michael Sam (2013), Roger Wehrli (1968), and Danny LaRose (1960).
Hardy also becomes just the second running back in school history to be honored by the FWAA and the 18th Tiger overall to make one of their All-America teams. That’s not just a footnote - it’s a testament to how rare and dominant his season has been.
Let’s talk numbers, because Hardy’s production wasn’t just good - it was nation-leading. He led all FBS players in rushing yards per game with an eye-popping 130.0 and finished second in total rushing yards at 1,560.
He didn’t just rack up yards in garbage time or against soft defenses either. Eight 100-yard performances, including a jaw-dropping 300-yard outing against Mississippi State - only the sixth such game in SEC history - show just how consistent and explosive he’s been.
And when it came to finding the end zone, Hardy didn’t disappoint. His 16 rushing touchdowns rank fourth nationally, and he finished the regular season with 281 more rushing yards than any other back in the SEC. That’s not just separation - that’s domination.
It’s no surprise then that Hardy was one of three national finalists for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the best running back in college football. Add in his SEC Newcomer of the Year award and unanimous First Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press, and it’s clear: Hardy didn’t just have a great season - he had one of the best in Mizzou history.
His name now sits alongside Tiger legends on the program’s All-America wall. From defensive forces like Shane Ray and Michael Sam to offensive stars like Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman, Hardy has officially joined that storied lineage.
And he’s not done yet.
Mizzou (8-4) is gearing up for its 38th bowl appearance, set to face off against No. 20 Virginia (10-3) in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday, December 27.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, with coverage on ABC and the Tiger Radio Network.
This will be just the second meeting between the two programs - the last came all the way back in 1973, when Mizzou rolled to a 31-7 win over the Cavaliers in Columbia. This time, the stakes are higher, and the spotlight is squarely on Hardy as he looks to put a final stamp on his remarkable season.
Tickets for the Gator Bowl are available at TaxSlayerGatorBowl.com, and Mizzou season ticket holders and Mizzou Athletics Fund donors will receive direct links to secure seats in the designated Tigers section.
As Hardy prepares for one last ride in the black and gold this season, he’s already carved out a place in Mizzou lore. The FWAA honor is just the latest proof: he’s not just one of the best backs in the country - he’s one of the best to ever do it in Columbia.