College football’s transfer portal is a ruthless place, and if you’re good then you’ll have your pick of top schools.
Recently, having your pick of top schools isn’t enough these days. Schools are constantly willing to dish out big NIL dollars to top players on teams who may not be conference or national title contenders.
The latest example of this comes from the SEC where Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy reveals in an interview with On3, that schools presented big money to the All-American, and SEC Newcomer of the Year, attempting to get Hardy out of Missouri. Hardy also offered insight on how the process works.
“I won’t spread any names or out there or anything, but it was a lot of schools from a lot of different conferences,” Hardy told On3. “The head coaches aren’t the ones calling, but the first thing that happens is someone from that school starts following you on Instagram. Then you hear from somebody on their staff or their position coach. You’re not gonna talk to the head coach until you get in the portal.
“But it didn’t matter, because I was never going to get into the portal.”
Hardy a first-team All-SEC member played a key role in Missouri’s season ran for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns knows a thing or two about the transfer portal. Originally a commit to Louisiana-Monroe, Hardy spent 2024 with the Warhawks being names the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and was named first-team All-Sun Belt before heading to Mizzou.
Despite spending time in the portal, Hardy made it clear he wants to remain at Missouri for a much important reason.
“I knew what I wanted,” Hardy said. “I wanted to be a Tiger until I turn pro. Missouri has taken care of me. I wanted to build my legacy here.”
Hardy and the Missouri Tigers open the 2026 football season vs. Arkansas (Pine Bluff on Sept. 3.
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