Heading into the offseason, running back was one of Arizona’s top priorities. Due to eligibility and the transfer portal, much of the Wildcats’ running back room from a year ago is not returning to Tucson for the 2025 season. On Saturday, Arizona quelled some of those concerns with a commitment from former Texas State running back Ismail Mahdi.
The 5-foot-9, 180-pound running back is the true definition of all-purpose back, with over 4,200 all-purpose yards in his career. During his two years at Texas State, Mahdi rushed for 2,322 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also hauled in 44 receptions for another 470 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He is also a threat in the returning game, bring back 31 attempts for 747 yards and another score in his Bobcat career.
Mahdi began his career at FCS Houston Christian, where he had another 709 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns as a freshman in 2022.
He led the FBS in all-purpose in 2023, and was a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection in each of his two seasons in San Marcos. Mahdi received First-Team All-American honors by CBS Sports/247Sports, as well as Second-Team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America in 2023.
On3 rates Ismail Mahdi as the No. 22 overall player and 2nd-best running back in the transfer portal. He will have one year of eligibility remaining after committing to Arizona over Arkansas.
With the commitment from Ismail Mahdi, Arizona now has 10 pickups via the transfer portal. He’s the fifth offensive addition for the Wildcats, and third skill player, joining former New Mexico wide receiver Luke Wysong and ex-Washington State receiver Kris Hutson.