Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi, linebacker Max Harris gain eligibility via court ruling
They can suit up for BYU on Saturday
TUCSON, ARIZONA - November 22 has seen Arizona's football team receive a boost in experience. A Pima County Superior Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order, allowing running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris to play in their fifth college season. Both had previously been eligible under a federal judge's ruling in Colorado but faced an NCAA appeal, resulting in a stay against that decision.
The temporary restraining order now permits both players to participate in Saturday's game against No. 15 BYU, following their absence from Arizona's 35-7 victory over NAU. A hearing is scheduled for September 21 to determine if the NCAA should overturn the temporary restraining order. Mahdi was Arizona's top rusher in 2025, accumulating 859 yards and scoring four touchdowns, while Harris ranked third on the team in tackles with 78.
Both transferred to UA after coming from Texas State. In response to the NCAA's recent "five for five" eligibility rule, which removed redshirts and allowed all student-athletes to play for five seasons following their 19th birthday or high school graduation, Mahdi and Harris are among 10 players involved in lawsuits. These lawsuits include UA men's basketball player RJ Godfrey from Georgia.
Ten players, including punter Sullivan Moon, must pay $1,000 to have the temporary restraining order applied to them.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
