Arizona’s veteran roster just got a little more experienced.
A Pima County Superior Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order that will allow running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris to suit up for the Wildcats for a fifth college season. Both had previously been granted eligibility via a federal judge’s ruling in Colorado in July only to see the NCAA appeal and get a stay against that judgement.
The TRO opens the door for both to be able to play Saturday at No. 15 BYU after sitting
out Arizona’s 35-7 win over NAU last weekend. A hearing has been set for Sept. 21 to allow for the NCAA to show cause for why the TRO should be negated.
Mahdi was Arizona’s leading rusher in 2025, gaining 859 yards with four touchdowns. Harris was third on the team in tackles with 78. Both were in their first years at the UA after transferring from Texas State.
In the spring the NCAA moved to a “five for five” eligibility rule, eliminating redshirts and making all student-athletes eligible to play for five seasons following their 19th birthday or high school graduation, whichever came first. The change did not apply to those who graduated high school in 2022 and would have been going into a fifth year of eligibility this academic year, prompting numerous lawsuits.
Another such lawsuit, in Georgia, allowed for the UA men’s basketball team to add former Clemson forward RJ Godfrey.
The local filing applies to 10 players including punter Sullivan Moon, a transfer from Division II Colorado Mesa who has been practicing with Arizona like Mahdi and Harris. Each must pay $1,000 in order for the TRO to apply to them.
