Ahmad Hardy Makes Missouri Program History in the Gator Bowl

Ahmad Hardy concluded his 2025 Missouri season by setting the program’s single-season rushing record. This milestone unfolded during the Tigers’ 13-7 loss to No. 19 Virginia in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The UL Monroe transfer surpassed Cody Schrader’s 2023 mark by running for 89 yards.

“Mighty Man” Ahmad Hardy Stands Alone in Mizzou Rushing Record Books

Needing only 67 yards to eclipse Schrader’s record, Hardy immediately went to work. After a one-yard gain on his first carry, he delivered a breakaway rush for 43 yards, putting him within striking distance.

By halftime, the consensus All-American added 20 more yards, leaving the “Mighty Man” just four yards away from the record. Although he was held without a gain in the third quarter, his strong start kept him in contention.

Hardy regained momentum in the fourth quarter with the Tigers still within reach of victory. Trailing 13-7, he rushed up the middle from the Missouri 39 for a 12-yard gain at the 4:20 mark, clinching the single-season rushing record.

1,636 and counting… the NEW Mizzou Football single-season rushing record holder, @Ahmadhardy29 !#MIZ | #TheMizzouWay pic.twitter.com/aHxnZZ18hw

— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) December 28, 2025

Coach Eliah Drinkwitz kept the ball with Hardy for the next two plays, and the running back responded with rushes of five and four yards. This pushed Missouri to the one-yard line. However, a false start on third down proved costly, forcing the Tigers to play 3rd-and-6 at Virginia’s 45.

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On the next play, Hardy rushed up the middle for four yards, leaving the Tigers two yards short. On fourth down, quarterback Matt Zollers ran for a yard but was stopped out of bounds, turning the ball over to Virginia.

Shorthanded on offense after its key players either opted for the transfer portal or recovered from injuries, Missouri, which had Zollers starting in place of the original starter, Beau Pribula, was forced to rely on the running game against the Cavaliers. The plan worked in the first half, but Virginia’s defense tightened in the second, making it difficult for the Tigers to break through.

Missouri’s defense failed to stop Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris, who completed 25 of 38 passes for 198 yards, and Harrison Waylee rushed for 68 yards. The Cavaliers outgained the Tigers 308-260.

Zollers was 12 of 22 for 101 yards for Missouri, while Nicholas Rodriguez had a solid defensive effort for the Tigers, with the linebacker making 15 tackles and breaking up a pass.

Despite the loss to Virginia, Ahmad Hardy made his presence felt this season, breaking the program record and becoming a consensus All-American. He’ll have another opportunity to set a record next season if he stays with Missouri, where he’s expected to be a premier running back for the Tigers.