Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy has been named a finalist for the 2025 Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the top running back in college football. The announcement was made by the PwC Athletic Forum on Tuesday.
Hardy is one of three finalists for this year’s award, alongside Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame and Kewan Lacy from Ole Miss. Hardy currently ranks as the nation’s second-leading rusher with 1,403 yards and an average of 6.6 yards per carry. He leads all finalists in total rushing yards and stands fourth nationally with 15 rushing touchdowns.
A notable portion of Hardy’s success comes after contact; he has gained 983 yards after initial contact, leading the country in that category and accounting for over 70 percent of his total yardage. His ability to evade defenders is reflected in his 77 missed tackles forced, ranking third nationwide.
Hardy achieved a significant milestone during Missouri’s win over Mississippi State on November 15 by becoming just the sixth player in SEC history to rush for more than 300 yards in a single game. Over the season, he has surpassed the 100-yard mark seven times and topped 250 yards twice—both feats unmatched by other finalists this year.
In terms of school records, Hardy now holds fifth place on Missouri’s single-season rushing list and is within reach of Cody Schrader’s record of 1,627 yards set in 2023. His touchdown tally puts him three short of tying the program’s single-season record held jointly by Brad Smith (2003) and Bob Steuber (1942).
By being named a finalist, Hardy joins previous Missouri players Cody Schrader (2023) and Tyler Badie (2021) who have also received this recognition.
The winner will be announced live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12. The formal presentation is scheduled for January 30, 2026, at a banquet in Dallas.
The Doak Walker Award honors excellence at running back since its inception in 1990 and is part of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which oversees several major college football awards. More information about the award can be found at SMU.edu/DoakWalkerAward or through their X account (@DoakWalkerAward).
