The WireStatus · ReportedImpact · low
Missouri · SEC
Missouri · SECMissouri Loses Ahmad Hardy for Season Opener After He Misses Practice
Ahmad Hardy’s absence removes Missouri’s star running back from the opener and leaves the Tigers entering the season without their top option in the backfield. He still hasn’t practiced, so the timing of his return isn’t established.
WD
The Pate State Wire DeskVerified reporting · full source list below · monitored by an editor
● Reported
AUG 23, 2026
AUG 23, 2026
01 · The NewsWhat Happened
Pete Thamel reported Saturday that Ahmad Hardy won’t be available for Missouri’s season opener. Sources told Thamel that Hardy still hasn’t practiced for the Tigers. Hardy is Missouri’s star running back, so the Tigers will begin the season without their top back in uniform. The report does not identify who will take his place in the opener or say when Hardy might return. For now, Missouri has one firm answer: Hardy won’t play the first game. The rest of the backfield picture is still open.
Sourcing & standards: Reporting via ESPN. Produced by the Pate State Wire Desk under the site's verification rules, monitored by an editor. Corrections are timestamped, never silent.