Mizzou fans can breathe a sigh of relief as top player is confirmed back for 2026

While transfers have hit the Missouri Tigers hard this month, one star player is now confirmed to return.

After losing starting quarterback Beau Pribula, and multiple other starters on offense to transfer announcements, the Tigers were in need of some good news. That came on Friday with the confirmation that star running back Ahmad Hardy would be back for 2026.

The team announced his return on social media, confirming what fans had hoped for amidst the transfer chaos.

Ahamd Hardy back at Mizzou for another run at a Heisman in 2026

While the news isn't too surprising, there are no guarantees in the current state of college football. Hardy, who rushed for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns this season is arguably the most important player on the Tigers, and thankfully, fans no longer have to worry.

One aspect of this that fans might need to start worrying about however, is the status of running back Jamal Roberts. Roberts, who enjoyed a successful season as Hardy's backup, averaged 6.2 yards per carry and could potentially look to carve out a role elsewhere as the lead bell cow. Although, his status with Mizzou is unclear for 2026, the fact that Hardy is back could unfortunately push Roberts out the door.

Still, it's a huge win for Eli Drinkwitz and company to lock up Hardy for another year on their way to revamping the offense. There will likely be at least five new starters on offense in 2026, with the potential for up for seven or eight.