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Missouri steals another star running back from Kentucky

Ahmad Hardy has transferred to Missouri before even taking his visit to Kentucky.

ByMark Knight|
Nov 16, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. (12) closes in on Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back Ahmad Hardy (22) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. (12) closes in on Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back Ahmad Hardy (22) during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images | John Reed-Imagn Images

The Missouri Tigers picked up Ahmad Hardy, one of the top available running backs in the transfer portal today. Hardy had 1,351 rushing yards this season, with 13 touchdowns for UL Monroe, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He was rumored to be one of the primary additions that Kentucky was hoping to grab in this transfer portal cycle. Before he could even get to his scheduled visit for the Wildcats, he decided to commit to Missouri.

Missouri has now snatched a running back out of Kentucky's hands. Right before signing day, the Tigers were able to get prized running back recruit Marquise Davis to flip from Kentucky to Mizzou. This was a big loss for the Wildcats as he was one of their top recruits and in a position of high importance in the Mark Stoops/Bush Hamdan offensive game plan.

"Davis, ranked as the No. 7 running back in the 2025 class according to On3, isn’t just any recruit. He’s a game-changer, a back capable of turning heads with electrifying performances, including a jaw-dropping eight-touchdown game. Losing him to a rival SEC school like Missouri only compounds the sting for Mark Stoops and his staff."
Drew Holbrook, WildcatBlueNation.com

Missouri continues to load up on top running back talent, and now they have taken two of those stars away from Kentucky. It's one thing to lose potential stars to a random school but another to lose them to an SEC rival.

Kentucky has already turned their attention to another running back in the portal. It is reported that they are looking to bring in Dante Dowdell, who is transferring out of Nebraska. Dowdell wasn't Nebraska's primary ball carrier, but he was able to take advantage of his 143 carries. He had 614 yards and 12 touchdowns. He would be a good addition to the Wildcats backfield.

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