Story perspectives

Ahmad Hardy’s Missouri Status Still Unclear for Arkansas Game

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 2:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Coach Eli Drinkwitz said Ahmad Hardy will practice this week.
Hardy was shot in the upper leg at a Mississippi concert on May 10 and had emergency surgery.
Medical staff cleared Hardy in July, but his eligibility for the upcoming game remains undecided.
Missouri, 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC, will face Arkansas Saturday with Hardy’s status unknown.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, the NCAA ruled that injured quarterback Matt Leinart could retain eligibility after missing the Rose Bowl, setting a precedent. The decision, championed by SEC commissioner Mike Slive, allowed the USC Trojans to field a full roster, preserving a 12-1 season record. Today, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz faces a similar dilemma over Ahmad Hardy’s clearance, as the Tigers await the SEC showdown against Arkansas. If the NCAA follows the 2005 model, Hardy could play, influencing Missouri’s 5-2 campaign and potentially reshaping postseason bowl eligibility.

1 of 2

Story summary

Coach Eli Drinkwitz said Ahmad Hardy will practice this week.
Hardy was shot in the upper leg at a Mississippi concert on May 10 and had emergency surgery.
Medical staff cleared Hardy in July, but his eligibility for the upcoming game remains undecided.
Missouri, 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC, will face Arkansas Saturday with Hardy’s status unknown.

1 / 2