A Pima County Superior Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that clears the path for Arizona Wildcats running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris to play in the upcoming game against No. 15 BYU. The order follows earlier federal court rulings in Colorado that granted the two athletes eligibility, which the NCAA subsequently appealed and stayed.
Background on the eligibility dispute
Mahdi and Harris transferred to the University of Arizona from Texas State and were set to begin their fifth college season under the NCAA’s new “five for five” eligibility rule. The rule, adopted this spring, eliminates traditional redshirts and allows all student‑athletes to compete for five seasons after their 19th birthday or high school graduation, whichever occurs first. However, the rule does not apply to players who graduated high school in 2022, creating a wave of lawsuits from athletes who would otherwise lose a year of competition.
Both Mahdi and Harris were Arizona’s leading rusher (859 yards and four touchdowns in 2025) and third‑leading tackler (78 tackles) respectively. Their eligibility was initially affirmed by a federal judge in Colorado in July, but the NCAA secured a stay, preventing them from playing in Arizona’s 35‑7 victory over Northern Arizona University last weekend.
What the TRO means for the Wildcats
The temporary restraining order lifts the NCAA’s stay, allowing Mahdi and Harris to suit up for Saturday’s matchup with BYU. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21, where the NCAA will have the opportunity to argue why the TRO should be overturned. Until then, the Wildcats can field the two players, adding experience to a roster that has already benefited from a strong start to the season.
Other athletes affected
The local filing also covers ten additional players, including punter Sullivan Moon, a transfer from Division II Colorado Mesa who has been practicing with the team. Each of those athletes must pay a $1,000 fee for the TRO to apply to them.
Broader legal context
Similar lawsuits have emerged across the country. In Georgia, a court ruling allowed the University of Arizona men’s basketball team to add former Clemson forward RJ Godfrey. These cases illustrate the growing tension between the NCAA’s eligibility reforms and athletes who feel the changes unfairly limit their collegiate careers.
Arizona fans and local supporters see the court’s decision as a victory for student‑athletes’ rights to compete. The Wildcats’ coaching staff expressed relief that the team can now move forward with its full complement of players as the season progresses.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
