September 12, 2026 — 11:21 PM PT
There is one personnel situation significant enough to flag for Missouri Tigers.
Missouri’s running-back depth has taken a substantial hit. Transfer Malae Fonoti, who had emerged as the Tigers’ No. 2 running back, suffered a non-contact ACL tear and is out for the remainder of the 2026 season. Coach Eli Drinkwitz called running back the team’s biggest depth-chart concern.
The injury is particularly important because All-American Ahmad Hardy still has an uncertain return timetable while recovering from the gunshot wound he suffered in May. Missouri is therefore operating without Hardy and Fonoti, leaving Jamal Roberts as the primary healthy veteran option and forcing younger backs into larger roles.
Impact: This is enough to downgrade Missouri’s offensive outlook somewhat until Hardy returns. If Hardy’s absence becomes prolonged, the loss of Fonoti becomes considerably more damaging because Missouri cannot simply replenish the position during the season.
