Who is behind Ahmad Hardy on the Missouri football RB depth chart?

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Upside? You bet.

There is an argument that Mizzou expected to have the best returning running back in the sport in Hardy. He finished just 10 yards behind Cam Cook at Jacksonville State for the national lead in rushing yards in 2025. The Oma, Mississippi, native had more yards after contact than any other player in the country.

Missouri may or may not get him back for at least one more year.

There is an argument that, paired with Roberts, the Tigers could have had the best one-two punch in the country, too.

Behind Hardy, Roberts still put up a top-10 mark in the SEC with 759 rushing yards. He had six touchdowns and zero fumbles last season. Eli Drinkwitz made a public plea to find the funds to make it worth Roberts’ while to return, and that’s Mizzou’s gain.

It’s a scary backfield, with as much returning talent as anywhere in the country.

One question or concern

Before the Tigers went into portal season, there absolutely were depth issues on the roster as both of their true freshmen, Marquise Davis (Louisville) and Brendon Haygood (North Texas), hit the transfer portal. Tack on incoming rookie Terry Hodges flipping to Arkansas and career reserve Tavorus Jones opting to spend his final season in his hometown with UTEP, and numbers were an issue.

Nov 29, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Jamal Roberts (20) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Edwards was a 1,000-yard rusher at the FCS level, and Fonoti showed in spurts at Montana that he can play in a pinch.

If Mizzou has an emergency and needs to turn to its third or fourth running back on the roster, there is competitive depth on the roster again.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Missouri football running backs depth chart after Ahmad Hardy shooting