Missouri star running back Ahmad Hardy won't be available for the start of the 2026 season, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Hardy, who is continuing to recover from a gunshot wound, is eyeing a mid-September return, Thamel adds. He still has yet to practice for the Tigers.
The All-American was shot in May while attending a concert in Mississippi and underwent multiple surgeries following the incident.
Hardy led the SEC in rushing last season with 1,649 yards and an average of 6.4 yards per carry. He led the Sun Belt in rushing the year prior, producing 1,351 yards as a member of Louisiana-Monroe. He transferred to Missouri after the 2024 campaign.
Missouri begins its season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3. The Tigers then travel to Kansas on Sept. 11 before hosting Troy on Sept. 19. Their first SEC game comes a week later against Mississippi State on Sept. 26.
