Eligibility Shift
U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a ruling that extends eligibility by one year for athletes who were part of the Class of 2022, a move that could reshape college sports across the nation.
The decision was quickly refined to exclude football players who had already signed professional contracts, ensuring that only those who remained in the college pipeline could benefit from the additional season.
At the heart of the controversy is the NCAA’s five‑for‑five rule, which permits Division I athletes to compete for up to five seasons, starting from the point they enroll full‑time or the academic year after turning 19. The rule was approved in June and was slated to take effect for students enrolling in the fall of 2027, but it has already sparked litigation from the very class it was designed to help.
The lawsuit filed by members of the 2022 cohort argues that the rule should apply retroactively, giving them the chance to use the extra year of eligibility that the court’s initial order suggested was available to all athletes in that cohort.
For Arizona, the ruling means that key contributors Ismail Mahdi and Max Harris are now eligible to return. Mahdi topped the Wildcats’ rushing stats last season with 853 yards and four touchdowns, while Harris recorded 78 tackles and earned All‑Big 12 honorable mention honors, including 3.5 sacks for loss.
Both players have begun integrating into the team’s preseason activities, signaling a potential boost to the Wildcats’ offense and defense as they aim to contend in the upcoming season.
The NCAA has announced its intention to appeal the court’s interpretation, a move that could delay or modify the eligibility extension and set a precedent for how future eligibility disputes are handled.