Missouri's Ahmad Hardy released from hospital after being shot at concert

Missouri football star Ahmad Hardy was released from the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, and is starting his rehab with the goal of playing this season after he was shot at a concert in Mississippi over the weekend, according to ESPN.

Hardy, who rushed for an SEC-leading 1,649 yards last season, was shot in the upper leg and underwent surgery, according to ESPN. The Kansas City Star reported Hardy was a passenger in vehicle attempting to leave when gunfire started, and the Laurel Police Department described him as an "innocent bystander."

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Expected to be one of the best offensive weapons in the country next season, Hardy already has 3,000 career rushing yards with 29 total touchdowns in two seasons at Louisiana-Monroe and Missouri. The 5-foot-10 bruiser also projects as one of the top running backs available in the 2027 NFL Draft, should he recover properly and declare early.

The Oma, Mississippi, native rushed for a career-high 300 yards with three touchdowns on 25 carries in a 49-27 win over Mississippi State in November. He was leaned on heavily down the stretch as Missouri played without starting quarterback Beau Pribula and backup Sam Horn due to injury, with its offense being led by third-string true freshman Matt Zollers.

Missouri released a statement of the news on May 11.

“Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans,” the statement read. “We will continue to stand beside him and his family through this difficult time, offering our love, prayers, strength and support. A timeline for his return to football activities is unknown at this time. Mizzou Athletics will provide more information on his status when it becomes available."

It appears Hardy will try to return to action in 2026-27 for the Tigers. Most importantly, though, is that he appears to have avoided a life-altering injury.