Ahmad Hardy is back. The Missouri running back returned to the field Saturday night at Arkansas, nearly six months after he was shot in the leg.

Hardy checked in late in the first quarter to an ovation from Tigers fans. He carried twice for 5 yards in No. 23 Missouri's 34-10 win.

"It felt the same," Hardy said about taking contact again. "My body is fully healed, so it's nothing different."

A bystander at a concert

Hardy was hurt on May 10 while attending an outdoor concert in Laurel, Mississippi, in his home state. He was a bystander when he was shot.

Police arrested a suspect and charged him with two felony counts of aggravated assault.

Few details about his injuries have been released. Coach Eli Drinkwitz said this week that Hardy needed a metal rod placed in his femur.

A record-setting back

Hardy, 20, was one of the best runners in the country last season. He ran for 1,649 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns in 2025.

He said his mind wandered at times while he was away from the field. He leaned on his Bible and stayed close to his teammates.

"Me, mentally, I'm a very strong mental person," Hardy said. "Whatever I put my mind to, I can do it."

Drinkwitz opened his postgame remarks by praising him. "It's been a long road to get back here," the coach said. "I'm really proud of him."

Jamal Roberts, Missouri's leading rusher, ran for 138 yards and a touchdown in the win. He said Hardy was in good spirits and probably a little emotional.