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Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy.

The life and career of 1 of college football’s most promising and electric running backs was put in jeopardy following a concert shooting in Mississippi.

According to a statement from the University of Missouri, All-American running back Ahmad Hardy was shot early Sunday morning and underwent surgery for his wounds.

“Mizzou Football student-athlete Ahmad Hardy was the victim of a shooting at a concert in Mississippi early Sunday morning and sustained a gunshot wound,” the school said in a statement released to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “Ahmad underwent surgery Sunday in Mississippi and is in stable condition. Ahmad is deeply loved by his teammates, coaches, friends, family and fans. 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.”

Hardy 1 of College Football’s Biggest Stars

Hardy is a Brookhaven, Mississippi, native who led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025, earning All-American, SEC Newcomer of the Year, and All-SEC honors.

“Hardy led the SEC in rushing in 2025 and loomed as one of the faces of the SEC in 2026,” Thamel wrote. “Per the school, a timetable for his return to football activities is unknown … Per an ESPN source, there’s optimism that Ahmad Hardy will play football again. How quickly he can return and the impact isn’t known. He’s alert today and moving around.”