Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris were cleared to play and added to the roster for the Wildcats' upcoming matchup against No. 15 BYU, following a court ruling regarding NCAA eligibility. The players, along with kicker Sullivan Moon, were granted a temporary restraining order by a Pima County Superior Court judge, allowing them to compete in the Big 12 showdown scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Legal Victory Restores Eligibility
The Arizona football program confirmed in a statement on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, that linebacker Max Harris, running back Ismail Mahdi, and kicker Sullivan Moon have been cleared for competition. According to the school, both Harris and Mahdi will travel with the team to Provo to face the Cougars.
This development comes as the Wildcats prepare for a critical conference game against a BYU team ranked No. 15. The return of these players provides a significant roster boost for Arizona as they attempt to navigate a difficult Big 12 schedule. The legal victory allows the three athletes to participate despite ongoing disputes regarding new NCAA eligibility regulations.
The Eligibility Dispute
The legal battle centered on a lawsuit filed by athletes from the class of 2022 seeking a fifth year of eligibility. While the NCAA intended for new eligibility rules to take effect for athletes enrolling in the fall of 2027, the lawsuit challenged the timing for the 2022 cohort.
The ruling allows Division I athletes to have five seasons of competition over a five-year period, starting from their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. Although the Big 12 has banned former professional athletes, this restriction does not apply to the players added to the Arizona roster. While Harris had previously participated in a rookie minicamp, none of the three players have signed professional NFL contracts.
Key Player Contributions
The addition of Mahdi and Harris is expected to significantly impact Arizona's performance on both sides of the ball. Ismail Mahdi was the team's leading rusher during the previous season, recording 853 yards and four touchdowns, according to Fox Sports reporting. He also contributed in the passing game with 17 receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown.
Max Harris enters the matchup as an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection from last season. He recorded 78 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss. While his specific role against BYU remains uncertain, his presence provides the Wildcats with increased depth at the linebacker position.
Backfield Dynamics
Arizona's offensive backfield features a mix of power and agility. Senior running back Kedrick Reescano served as the primary rushing option during the team's season-opening win over Northern Arizona. Reescano, who led the team with nine rushing touchdowns last fall, recorded 48 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries in that opener.
Mahdi is expected to serve as a complement to Reescano, who is characterized as a short-yardage weapon. Standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 185 pounds, Mahdi offers a more agile alternative in the backfield. In their previous meeting against BYU, Reescano led the team with 13 carries for 90 yards and a score, while Mahdi saw limited action with seven carries for 21 yards.
Season Outlook and Stakes
The upcoming game carries weight for Arizona's season trajectory. The Wildcats enter the matchup facing a five-game losing streak against BYU, which includes a 33-27 overtime loss last year. A victory would not only snap that streak but could also position Arizona for a strong start in the conference standings.
Following the BYU game, Arizona faces a schedule that includes matchups against NIU on Sept. 19, Washington State on Sept. 26, Cincinnati on Oct. 3, West Virginia on Oct. 10, and Iowa State on Oct. 24. A win against the No. 15 ranked Cougars would set a favorable tone before the Wildcats face a late-season stretch against Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas State, and Arizona State.
Roster Depth and Outlook
The return of Harris and Mahdi comes at a pivotal moment for the Wildcats. The team's defensive depth is bolstered by Harris, who joins linebackers Cooper Blomstrom and Chase Kennedy in the rotation. With the roster bolstered by the court-ordered eligibility, Arizona looks to capitalize on a schedule that offers several winnable opportunities early in the conference season.
