Missouri star running back Ahmad Hardy will not be available for the season opener after being shot in the upper leg in May. Coach Eli Drinkwitz announced the decision during fall camp, stating there is no timetable for Hardy's return and that it depends on his recovery. Hardy, a first-team All-American who finished second nationally in rushing last season, led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards and a 6.4 yards-per-carry average. He transferred from Louisiana Monroe to Missouri for the 2025 season and became one of the SEC's most dominant players.

The Tigers open the season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 3 and face Kansas on Sept. 11 before hosting Troy on Sept. 19. Conference play begins at Mississippi State on Sept. 26. With Hardy sidelined, redshirt junior Jamal Roberts is expected to handle the bulk of the carries. Roberts has rushed for 968 career yards and averages 5.4 yards per carry.

Hardy suffered the gunshot wound at a concert in Mississippi in May and underwent immediate surgery. Drinkwitz has been cautious with updates, noting at SEC Media Days that Hardy was medically cleared but still needed time to regain football condition.