Mahdi, Harris rejoin Arizona football following court ruling granting extra year of eligibility
Arizona says the two starters are returning after a federal ruling gave Class of 2022 athletes a fifth year of eligibility.
- On Monday, Arizona Football announced that running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris are rejoining the team, integrating into preseason activities just 26 days before the season opener against Northern Arizona.
- U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted Class of 2022 athletes an extra year of eligibility in a federal court injunction, allowing players who have not signed professional contracts to return to competition.
- Mahdi was the Wildcats' 2025 leading rusher with 853 yards and four touchdowns, while Harris recorded 78 tackles and earned All-Big 12 honorable mention honors last season.
- Their return strengthens a roster that previously added Marshall transfer Antwan Roberts, the 39th overall running back in 247Sports transfer rankings, providing depth at multiple positions.
- The NCAA has indicated it will appeal the ruling, leaving uncertainty across college football as the season begins in less than a month despite the injunction remaining in effect.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Judge Slams ‘Chaos’ of NCAA While Keeping Fifth Year in Place
A federal judge denied the NCAA’s bid to pause an order allowing an entire class of Division I college athletes to play for additional season while also criticizing the sports organization for putting itself in a “bind of its own making.”
RB Ismail Mahdi, LB Max Harris rejoin Arizona for fifth year of eligibility
Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris are back with the Wildcats after earning an extra year of eligibility, the school announced Monday. The two 2025 honorable mention All-Big 12 players secured eligibility for this season whe...
Arizona Running Back to Return for Fifth Season
In July 2026, a federal court injunction granted Class of 2022 athletes a waiver for a fifth year of college eligibility if they haven’t signed a pro contract and are 24 or younger.This threw a wrench in the NCAA’s plans, and with less than a month before the college football season starts, it could create […] The post Arizona Running Back to Return for Fifth Season appeared first on HEAVY.
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