Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy Could Reportedly Leave Hospital Early Next Week

Earlier this week the wider sports world got a serious scare when Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy was shot following a concert. After days of hand-wringing over his condition, his head coach offered a very promising update.

According to ESPN's Marty Smith, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz informed him that Hardy has returned to Columbia, Missouri but is still being hospitalized to monitor his wounds and post-surgery condition. Drinkwitz reportedly said that Hardy is in "good spirits" and already walking and doing physical therapy.

Smith saved the best detail for last: Hardy hopes to be able to check out of the hospital as early as Monday.

"Hardy has returned to Columbia. He is still in the hospital to monitor his wounds and post surgery. He is in good spirits. He is walking and doing physical therapy three times a day. He hopes to check out of the hospital Monday," Smith wrote.

Cheers for Hardy

Naturally, Missouri fans and even fans of other teams were thrilled to get such a positive update on the All-American running back. Some even believe that he could use this adversity to power himself to an epic season in 2026.

"Great news that he's walking," one Missouri fan wrote.

"You can book it now, Ahmad Hardy WILL win the Heisman Trophy this season," another user wrote.

"Good to hear; hoping for a full and total recovery for Ahmad....." wrote a third.

"Prayers up. God is good."

Hardy led the SEC in rushing yards and yards per carry last season, going for a school record 1,649 yards to go along with 16 touchdowns in his first season with the team. For his efforts, Hardy earned First-Team All-SEC, consensus All-American and SEC Newcomer of the Year honors.

Over his two years as a college running back, Hardy already has 3,000 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns and a 6.1 yards per carry average while leading two separate conferences in rushing yards.

As for the shooting, 20-year-old Rashodrick Harris has since been arrested in connection to the incident, per ESPN.

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This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 2:13 PM.