On the eve of Arizona football’s season opener, one of the biggest questions surrounding the program remains the eligibility status of linebacker Max Harris and running back Ismail Mahdi.
The two players have filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction against the NCAA that will allow them to compete this season, according to the Arizona Daily Star’s Justin Spears. Harris and Mahdi are seeking a fifth year under the “5 for 5” eligibility policy.
The players argue that language
doesn’t exist in the NCAA’s Division I manual excluding the 2022 high school class from the “5 for 5” rule.
A restraining order would have to be granted for them to return. The two players have been practicing with Arizona under the assumption they won’t be eligible in time for the Wildcats’ opener Saturday against NAU.
Considering the TRO was filed late Friday and Saturday is a non-business day, the soonest a judge could rule would be early next week. If a TRO is granted next week, two players could theoretically return ahead of Arizona’s game at BYU next Saturday.
Spears’ report did not specify what court the TRO was filed in.
Harris started 12 games for Arizona in 2025 and was third on the team with 78 tackles including 3.5 for loss. Mahdi started 10 games for the Wildcats last season and led the team in rushing with 859 yards.
