Ahmad Hardy Signals Return to Mizzou, But Questions Remain Around RB Room
In a college football landscape where the transfer portal has become as active as a Saturday in the SEC, Missouri fans finally got the kind of clarity they’ve been craving - and it came straight from the Tigers’ biggest star.
All-American running back Ahmad Hardy met with the media this week and didn’t hesitate when asked whether other programs had come calling. His answer? Confident, candid, and exactly what Mizzou fans wanted to hear.
“Not yet. When I was in the portal they were,” Hardy said. “But I think they know I'm a Tiger, so they ain't hit me up.”
Translation: Hardy’s not going anywhere. And after the season he just had - rushing for over 1,500 yards and bulldozing through SEC defenses like a man on a mission - that’s a massive win for Missouri heading into 2026.
Let’s be clear: if Hardy had decided to test the portal waters again, he’d have had suitors lined up from coast to coast. Powerhouse programs would’ve been falling over themselves to land a back with his blend of vision, burst, and downhill toughness. Instead, Hardy’s staying put, and that decision alone gives Missouri a strong offensive foundation to build on for next season.
But while Hardy’s return is a major boost, the Tigers' running back room isn’t completely settled just yet. Backup Jamal Roberts - who quietly put together an impressive campaign of his own, averaging 6.2 yards per carry - may not be as locked in.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation. NIL is a major factor now, and keeping talented players like Roberts in Columbia might take more than just a good pitch about playing time.
“If anybody in St. Louis has enough third-party money to keep Jamal Roberts around, we'd love to talk to you about it,” Drinkwitz said. “Because he's a heck of a player, we'd love nothing more than to have him be a Tiger for his career.”
That’s as transparent as it gets. Missouri wants Roberts back, but they know he’ll have options - and those options could come with serious financial incentives. In today’s college football, where NIL deals can swing roster decisions, retaining depth at premium positions like running back is a challenge every program is facing.
Still, with Hardy leading the way, Missouri’s offense should remain a force. He’s not just a workhorse - he’s a tone-setter. His return means the Tigers retain one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country, and that alone should keep them competitive regardless of what other roster movement lies ahead.
Drinkwitz did acknowledge that more transfers are likely after the bowl game, so the team isn’t out of the woods yet. But for now, Missouri fans can breathe a little easier. Their star is staying home - and that’s no small thing in today’s ever-shifting college football world.