# Arizona's Ismail Mahdi set to return against Northern Illinois

> The Wildcats' leading rusher from last season is expected to make his 2026 debut Saturday after gaining eligibility.
- Title: Arizona's Ismail Mahdi set to return against Northern Illinois
- Summary: The Wildcats' leading rusher from last season is expected to make his 2026 debut Saturday after gaining eligibility. Ismail Mahdi, who rushed for 859 yards…
- Keywords: ismail mahdi, arizona wildcats, northern illinois, brent brennan, seth doege, gio richardson, tre spivey, cole rusk, noah fifita, college football, running back return, sports
- Source: Arizona Wildcats On SI — https://si.com/college/arizona/football/arizona-star-running-back-expected-to-make-season-debut-against-northern-illinois
- Published: 2026-09-15T22:19:02+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ismail mahdi, arizona wildcats, northern illinois, brent brennan, seth doege, gio richardson, tre spivey, cole rusk, noah fifita, college football, running back return, sports
## Arizona moves on from BYU loss
The Wildcats are refocusing after a disappointing defeat in Provo. They host Northern Illinois at home this Saturday in Week 3.
## Northern Illinois struggling early
The Huskies are 0-2 after a 40-0 loss to Iowa and a defeat to FCS Illinois State. Arizona is heavily favored in this matchup.
## Key players to watch Saturday
Fans will see how Arizona responds without injured star receiver Gio Richardson. Last year's leading rusher Ismail Mahdi may finally take the field.
## Judge grants Mahdi eligibility
A Pima County judge cleared linebacker Max Harris and running back Ismail Mahdi to play this season ahead of Week 2. Harris appeared against BYU, but Mahdi didn't play.
## Mahdi led Wildcats in rushing
The fifth-year senior rushed for 859 yards last season. He didn't see the field in Arizona's 28-17 loss to BYU despite being eligible.
## Offensive coordinator confirms Mahdi debut
Seth Doege indicated Mahdi would make his season debut against Northern Illinois. Head coach Brent Brennan had been non-committal about his role.

> Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi is expected to play against NIU, said OC Seth Doege.
## Already deep backfield gets deeper
Arizona's running back room includes Kedrick Reescano, Antwan Roberts, and Quincy Craig. Now they add Mahdi with over 3,100 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
## Richardson out with leg injury
Gio Richardson leads Arizona with 14 receptions and 161 yards through two games. He'll miss time with a lower leg injury suffered against BYU.
## Tre Spivey gets his opportunity
The Kansas State transfer caught 23 passes for 381 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He's been quiet with just six catches and 59 yards so far in 2026.
## Cole Rusk faces childhood team
The Illinois transfer tight end grew up rooting for Northern Illinois and took an official visit there. He has three catches for 61 yards this season.
## Offense needs to bounce back
Arizona was shut out in the second half against BYU. How the offense responds at home Saturday is a major storyline to watch.
## Game details for Saturday
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM PT at Casino Del Sol Stadium. The game will be broadcast on TNT.
## Key takeaway

Ismail Mahdi, who rushed for 859 yards last season, is expected to play for Arizona against Northern Illinois after a judge granted him eligibility.