Arizona Wildcats retain running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 9:39 PM
Last updated Aug 10, 2026
The Arizona Wildcats announced the return of running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris for the 2026 season. Both players received a fifth year of eligibility due to a court ruling that affects athletes from the 2022 high school class. Mahdi led the team in rushing last season, while Harris was recognized as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. They are expected to integrate into fall camp as the Wildcats prepare for their season opener against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on September 5.
- •Ismail Mahdi led Arizona with 853 rushing yards last season.
- •Max Harris made 78 tackles and started in 12 games last year.
- •Both players received a fifth year after a recent court ruling.
- •The Wildcats' season opener is against Northern Arizona on September 5.
- •Fall camp is currently underway as they integrate back into the team.
- 9:39 PMYahoo Sports — Arizona football training camp notebook: Max Harris, Ismail Mahdi officially added to roster
- 7:32 PMESPN NCAAF — RB Mahdi, LB Harris rejoin Arizona for 5th year
- 5:49 PMYahoo Sports — Mahdi, Harris rejoin Arizona football following court ruling granting extra year of eligibility
- 4:44 PMYahoo Sports — Arizona Wildcats announce return of two key players
"There are still some potential hurdles to clear, but for the time being Max Harris and Ismail Mahdi are back in the fold for Arizona. The Wildcats have officially added the two veterans, who were key contributors to the 2025 team. Both were granted an extra year of eligibility following a federal judge’s ruling last […]
"Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris have rejoined the team following a court ruling granting Class of 2022 athletes an extra year of eligibility. Arizona announced Monday the two players were beginning to integrate into the team's preseason activities.
"Arizona RB Ismail Mahdi and LB Max Harris have rejoined the Wildcats after a judge ruled that players who began their college playing careers in 2022-23, completed four seasons of eligibility and did not sign pro contracts could play an extra year.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 9:39 PMArizona football training camp notebook: Max Harris, Ismail Mahdi officially added to roster
There are still some potential hurdles to clear, but for the time being Max Harris and Ismail Mahdi are back in the fold for Arizona. The Wildcats have officially added the two veterans, who were key contributors to the 2025 team. Both were granted an extra year of eligibility following a federal judge’s ruling last […]
- ESPN NCAAFAug 10, 2026, 7:32 PMRB Mahdi, LB Harris rejoin Arizona for 5th year
Arizona RB Ismail Mahdi and LB Max Harris have rejoined the Wildcats after a judge ruled that players who began their college playing careers in 2022-23, completed four seasons of eligibility and did not sign pro contracts could play an extra year.
- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 5:49 PMMahdi, Harris rejoin Arizona football following court ruling granting extra year of eligibility
Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris have rejoined the team following a court ruling granting Class of 2022 athletes an extra year of eligibility. Arizona announced Monday the two players were beginning to integrate into the team's preseason activities.
- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 4:44 PMArizona Wildcats announce return of two key players
The Arizona Wildcats are bringing back running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris after they each received a fifth year of eligibility.
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