Nothing is certain, but signs point toward Arizona being able to make two major additions to its 2026 roster in the next few days.
UA coach Brent Brennan confirmed Tuesday the program is hoping to welcome back running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris after a federal judge in Colorado ruled last week both should receiver another year of eligibility. The ruling, which applies to all college athletes who graduated high school in 2022, should be eligible for the 2026-27 season after not getting
included in the NCAA’s change to a “5 for 5” blanket eligibility policy.
“I think it’d be great,” Brennan said about adding Mahdi and Harris, who both played for the Wildcats in 2025. “That process is ongoing, because obviously that was a big decision that came down Friday night. There’s a lot of things we have to figure out there.”
Mahdi, who recently became owner of a barbecue restaurant in Marana, started 10 games for the UA last season after transferring from Texas State. He led the team in rushing with 859 yards, scoring four touchdowns, and added 17 receptions for 119 yards and a TD while also returning five kickoffs.
Harris, who also came to the UA from Texas State, started 12 games in 2025 and was third on the team with 78 tackles including 3.5 for loss.
“It gives this football team great depth,” defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales said of the potential additions. “I hope it happens. The Colorado Judge wants it to happen, so hopefully everybody else will get on board and let those kids play.”
Both players would likely need some time to get up to speed physically, but gelling with their old (and new) teammates shouldn’t be an issue. Mahdi and Harris were part of Arizona’s Leadership Council and the possibility of messing with chemistry was never an issue.
“I think if they were jerks, maybe, but this team loves those two guys,” Brennan said. “Those guys were leaders. They were well respected. And I think the one thing you’ve heard me talk about this before, but the more competition the better. Like we want everyone to feel the pressure of competition in the practice environment. We’re trying to elevate the level of play, and so the more competition, the better. Let’s let’s pour some gas on that fire.”
Harris would give Arizona another experienced player in its front seven, while Mahdi would strengthen a running back room that brings back seniors Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig, among others.
“I’ve talked to Izzy about it, and I’m like, bro, it’d be amazing if you came back,” Reescano said. “You know we miss you being in the room. I think it’d be amazing if you did come back.”
