Truman's Tales
Fansided

Does Mizzou have the best running back in the SEC heading into the 2025 season?

Ahmad Hardy has the potential to be the best running back in the SEC
ByZach Sweet|
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks running back Ahmad Hardy (22) breaks a tackle attempt from Auburn Tigers defensive back Kayin Lee (4) as Auburn Tigers take on Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn Tigers lead Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 24-0 at halftime.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks running back Ahmad Hardy (22) breaks a tackle attempt from Auburn Tigers defensive back Kayin Lee (4) as Auburn Tigers take on Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Auburn Tigers lead Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 24-0 at halftime. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Almost every team in the nation contacted me," said former-ULM running back Ahmad Hardy on his portal recruitment.

The Missouri Tigers' running back room in Coach Drinkwitz tenure has always been a bright spot, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.

Hardy brings a lot to the table, and during his lone season of collegiate football at ULM, he excelled at running the outside zone — a concept the Tigers have feasted on in recent years. This creates a near-perfect match.

As a freshman last season, Hardy finished with an impressive stat line, accumulating 1,351 yards and 12 touchdowns on 237 carries. Not only did he record the 12th-most rushing yards in college football, but only two players in the nation forced more missed tackles.

“Every time I do get the ball, I think, ‘Go score and don’t hit the ground,’” Hardy said. “I’m one of those guys that say I want my jersey clean after the game. I don’t like it dirty, so I try to stay off the ground.”

Over the last two seasons, Mizzou has seen arguably some of the best running back play in its conference. Cody Schrader set a school rushing record in 2023–24, followed by the two-headed monster of Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll carrying the load in 2024–25. Hardy will look to carry on that standard this season.

While he hasn’t officially been named the starter, all signs point to it. Still, there will be a plethora of strong options to give Hardy rest when needed. Between sophomore Jamal Roberts and four-star freshman Marquise Davis, the running back room is loaded with potential.

It will be interesting to see how running backs coach Curtis Luper manages all of this talent. Luper has been with the program throughout its recent success at the position, and Hardy even credited him as a major factor in his recruitment.

"Coach Luper reminds me of my old coach (and is) a lot like my dad because he gets on us, but he wants the best for us," Hardy said. "So, he gets on our tails, but he makes sure we do what we supposed to be doing."

It will be interesting to see how Hardy adjusts to playing in the SEC, but he’s already garnering national attention as a potential top running back in the conference heading into the 2025 campaign.

Home/Football