TUCSON — Two of the Arizona Wildcats’ most productive players from last season have returned to the program after a federal judge granted an extra season of eligibility to athletes who began their college careers in 2022-23 and completed four seasons.
Running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris have begun integrating into Arizona’s preseason work following the ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado. The decision carved out an immediate exception for members of the Class of 2022 who did not sign professional contracts, allowing them a fifth season of college competition.
What this means for Arizona
Their return provides the Wildcats with experienced, proven contributors on both sides of the ball as Arizona prepares for the upcoming season. Mahdi finished last year as Arizona’s leading rusher, while Harris ranked among the team’s top tacklers, bringing both production and leadership back to the roster.
- Depth and continuity: Mahdi and Harris give Arizona immediate upgrades in key positions where experience matters — the running back rotation and linebacker corps.
- Coaching and scheme stability: Reintegrating veteran players reduces the need for younger players to rush into high-pressure roles, allowing for more measured development.
- Roster implications: The ruling could affect scholarships, playing-time battles and recruiting plans as the roster adjusts to the returnees.
Players’ recent performance
Mahdi was Arizona’s top rusher last season, finishing with 853 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 17 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. His most eye-catching single-game performance came against Kansas State, when he compiled 222 combined rushing and receiving yards and earned Big 12 Player of the Week honors.
Harris, a Texas native, played in 12 of Arizona’s 13 games and was one of the team’s most consistent tacklers with 78 stops. He recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble and led the team with seven quarterback hits. Harris posted at least six tackles in eight of his final nine games, including a 13-tackle outing at Houston and a seven-tackle game (one for loss) against Arizona State.
| Player | 2025 Stats |
|---|---|
| Ismail Mahdi | 853 rushing yards, 4 TDs; 17 receptions, 119 yards, 1 TD; 222 yards vs. Kansas State |
| Max Harris | 78 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 7 QB hits; started/played in 12 of 13 games; 13 tackles at Houston |
Academic recognition and eligibility context
Both players were also recognized off the field. Mahdi and Harris earned CSC Academic All-District honors last season, highlighting contributions in the classroom as well as on gameday.
The court decision followed months of legal and administrative maneuvering over the NCAA’s new eligibility framework. In June, the NCAA approved a so-called "five-for-five" rule allowing Division I athletes five seasons of competition within a five-year window beginning at full-time enrollment or the academic year after a player’s 19th birthday. That rule was set to apply to athletes enrolling in fall 2027, but members of the Class of 2022 filed suits seeking retroactive application. Judge Sweeney’s ruling granted the extra season to players who meet the Class of 2022 criteria and did not sign professional contracts over the summer.
The NCAA has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, which could lead to further legal proceedings and potential adjustments to eligibility decisions across multiple programs. For now, Arizona’s football program has two veteran contributors back on the field.
Immediate outlook
Arizona announced that Mahdi and Harris have begun participating in preseason activities. Their presence will figure into position battles and special teams assignments as the Wildcats refine their depth chart. Coaches and teammates will now have the benefit of experienced options when shaping game plans and rotations.
How the NCAA’s intended appeal will affect these players or others in similar situations remains an open question. For the moment in Tucson, the practical effect is straightforward: Arizona gains established players who helped produce meaningful results last season and can contribute right away.
Expect the coaching staff over the coming weeks to evaluate how best to deploy Mahdi’s rushing and receiving versatility and Harris’ proven tackling and pass-rush ability within the Wildcats’ schemes as they prepare for the new season.
