Key Highlights
- Ahmad Hardy is one of three finalists for the 2025 Doak Walker Award.
- The award will be decided based on performances in this regular season finale against Arkansas.
- Hardy could become the first Mizzou Tiger to win the prestigious award since 1990.
- His performance against Arkansas could seal his candidacy for the award, which is given to the nation’s top collegiate running back each year.
The High Stakes of Saturday’s Game
Ahmad Hardy, a sophomore running back for Mizzou Football, finds himself in an enviable position as he prepares to take the field against Arkansas. This Saturday’s game is not just any ordinary matchup; it carries immense weight for Hardy and his Doak Walker Award candidacy.
The Doak Walker Award: An Overview
The Doak Walker Award, established in 1990, recognizes the nation’s top collegiate running back each season. Named after legendary Notre Dame player Doak Walker, this award is highly coveted by all college football programs and athletes alike.
A Final Showdown: Hardy’s Case for the Award
Hardy was named one of three finalists for the 2025 Doak Walker Award on Tuesday. He competes against Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and former Mizzou Tiger Kewan Lacy, now at Ole Miss. The award will be announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards ceremony on December 12, meaning that post-season performances won’t impact the decision.
The Current Standing of Hardy
Entering this final week, Hardy leads his two competitors in rushing yards with a total of 1,403. However, he faces an uphill battle as both Lacy and Love have more rushing touchdowns (Lacy with 19, Love with 17) and Love holds the lead in overall yardage with 274 receiving yards.
The Opponent: Arkansas
A key factor in Hardy’s performance will be his ability to navigate Arkansas’s defense. Ranked 101st in SP+, this team has only allowed one 100-yard rusher all season, making them a formidable opponent. Love and Lacy both struggled against the Razorbacks, with their second-lowest rushing totals of the year.
Historical Context
No Mizzou running back has won the Doak Walker Award since 1990, and Hardy aims to change that. His chances are slim given his current standing but a standout performance could rewrite the record books. Surpassing the single-season rushing record set by Cody Schrader is unlikely with Hardy averaging just under 128 yards per game.
Implications for Mizzou and Hardy
No matter what happens this weekend, Hardy has already established himself as one of the greatest single-season performers in Mizzou history. Even if he doesn’t win the award, his 2025 campaign will rank among the best in Tigers’ history.
For Mizzou and coach Eli Drinkwitz, the fit with Hardy continues to make sense. His performance against Arkansas could be a pivotal moment that either seals or shatters his Doak Walker candidacy.
For Hardy, every play this Saturday holds significant meaning.
The outcome of this game is not just about the award but about legacy and records. Whether he wins or not, Hardy’s 2025 season will go down as one of the most impressive in Mizzou Football history.
