Less than four weeks away from their season opener, the Wildcats landed a pair of serious reinforcements on Monday. And the best part is, their two players the roster and coaching staff have plenty of experience with. Following an injunction from a Colorado federal judge that grants the high school class of 2022 a fifth year of college eligibility, running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris are returning to Arizona, the program announced on Monday.
The post released by Arizona Football states that Mahdi and Harris are “beginning to integrate in Arizona football’s preseason activities,” implying they will not be full be back to full speed right away. Instead, the two will likely ramp back up into camp activities and find their spots on the depth chart, which remains fluid five days into fall camp.
Last season, Mahdi rushed for 859 yards and four touchdowns on 134 carries, while contributing 119 yards and a score through the air. The all-purpose back also returned four kickoff attempts for 82 yards. During the offseason, Mahdi also became a co-owner of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Tucson.
On defense, Harris accounted for 78 tackles, including 39 solo tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss, last season. The linebacker also recorded a pass deflection, seven quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. During the offseason, Harris received a rookie minicamp invitation from the Denver Broncos.
The two were both All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selections in 2025.
It’s not just the on-field production that has Arizona’s coaching staff excited about the duo’s return to the roster. Since the injunction passed 10 days ago, the staff has repeatedly spoken about Mahdi and Harris’ character and the impact the two will have on the Wildcats’ culture in the locker room.
“I think the biggest thing that our team and our staff will be excited about with Izzy and Max is that they are outstanding, high-character people. They’re obviously good football players, but they are tremendous young men,” said head coach Brent Brennan.
Brennan also acknowledged the possibility of Mahdi and Harris’ late additions and how it could negatively impact the culture, especially for young players in the running back and linebacker rooms, who could see play time reduced. Brennan says he and the Wildcats aren’t worried.
“I think if they were jerks, maybe, right,” said Brennan in response to how Mahdi and Harris could impact the locker room. “This team loves those two guys. Those guys were leaders. Those guys were well respected.”
“The more competition, the better. We want everyone to feel the pressure of competition in the practice environment. We’re trying to elevate the level of play, and so the more competition, the better. Let’s pour some gas on that fire.”
Arizona opens the season at home against NAU on Saturday, September 5, at 6:30 PM MST on ESPN+. Whether it is back in their respective starting spots, contributing on special teams, or somewhere in between, Mahdi and Harris expect to contribute as early as possible.