{
  "id": 20033872,
  "title": "SMU Star Gets Last-Minute Breakthrough After Months Away From Field",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/smu-star-gets-last-minute-breakthrough-after-months-away-from-field",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-14T19:03:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/smu-star-gets-last-minute-breakthrough-after-months-away-from-field-12715904"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SMU safety Ahmaad Moses is set to make his game appearance against Wake Forest on Saturday, following a recent ruling in his eligibility dispute. Billy Embody of On3 reported on Friday that Moses had been granted a temporary restraining order. This development provides the Mustangs with a seasoned defensive player for their crucial games as the regular season draws to a close. Moses' absence had been due to both a medical issue and a legal battle. Doctors discovered a herniated disk during the NFL scouting combine, necessitating spinal fusion surgery. Moses chose to pursue another opportunity to play at SMU rather than signing with a professional team. He received temporary eligibility from a Dallas judge in August, but was unable to obtain medical clearance in time, causing his order to expire. Another request was rejected last week in Hidalgo County Court, leaving his return in question as the season came to an end. In a sworn statement, Moses explained that a later resolution could not replace the games, season, or opportunities he would lose. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee publicly supported Moses' return, acknowledging the emotional challenge of watching him transition from a college star to a player unable to take the field. He also highlighted the importance of Moses proving his health before resuming his football career. Moses had a successful season in 2025, recording 104 tackles, five interceptions, and 5.5 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-ACC recognition. He started 12 of his 13 games and served as a team captain. His interception total was third in the ACC and seventh nationally. Moses' potential return comes after starting safety Tyren Polley Jr. suffered a season-ending injury. The judge who granted the latest relief is yet to be identified, and the eligibility clearance is temporary. Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and Stanford are still on SMU's regular-season schedule. After surgery and months of uncertainty, Moses is reportedly ready to return on Saturday, although the latest development does not resolve the final aspect of his eligibility dispute.",
  "summary": "SMU safety Ahmaad Moses is expected to debut against Wake Forest after a court ruling reopened his path to the field.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}