A judge just dropped a bomb on college football, clearing three Arizona Wildcats to join the roster for their critical Big 12 showdown against No. 15 BYU this Saturday! Running back Ismail Mahdi, linebacker Max Harris, and punter Sullivan Moon are officially back in action after a Pima County judge granted them a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. This isn’t just a few bodies added; Mahdi and Harris are set to travel to Provo and are expected to play, and that is a game-changer.
The Legal Loophole That Shakes Up The Big 12
So, what’s the deal? These three players were part of a lawsuit seeking a fifth year of eligibility, and a judge actually sided with them! Mahdi, Harris, and Moon are all from the class of 2022, taking advantage of rulings that give athletes an extra year. Now, you might hear whispers about professional athletes, but the Big 12’s rule banning former pros does NOT apply here. None of these guys signed NFL contracts, even if Harris briefly dipped his toes in rookie minicamp. This isn’t some backroom deal; it’s a legal move that puts significant talent back on the field, and it happened just in time for a major conference clash.
Mahdi and Harris: Game-Changers Activated
Let’s talk about what these additions actually mean. Mahdi? He led the Wildcats in rushing last season, scorching defenses for a massive 859 yards and punching in five touchdowns. We’re talking about a guy who *was* the engine of that ground game, a certified threat every time he touched the ball. He’s listed at 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, bringing an agile, pass-catching dynamic that complements senior Kedrick Reescano, who is more of a wrecking ball and short-yardage weapon. Last year against BYU, Reescano got more run with 13 carries for 90 yards and a score, while Mahdi had just seven touches for 21 yards. Imagine what this dual threat does to a defense!
And then there’s Harris. This dude was Arizona’s third-leading tackler last fall, racking up 3.5 tackles for loss. That’s serious defensive production! While his exact role against BYU is still up in the air, his presence immediately makes the Wildcats much deeper at linebacker. Remember, Cooper Blomstrom and Chase Kennedy played alongside star Tae Brown in the opener, but Harris brings a veteran presence and proven playmaking ability to that group.
BYU Showdown: Everything on the Line
This ruling could not have come at a better moment for Arizona. They’re gearing up for an important conference game against one of the Big 12 title favorites. The Wildcats are riding a brutal five-game losing streak against the Cougars, including a gut-wrenching 33-27 overtime defeat just last year. That loss had to sting!
This Saturday’s game against No. 15 BYU is absolutely critical. With Mahdi’s explosive rushing and Harris bolstering the defense, Arizona suddenly has some serious firepower back in the lineup. It’ll be awesome to see how these guys impact a pivotal matchup that could set the tone for the rest of their conference season. Don’t miss it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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