A temporary restraining order from a Dallas court has permitted 18 college football players, including SMU free safety Ahmaad Moses, to return for a fifth year of eligibility in the 2026 season.
This decision was made just two days prior to the college football season kickoff and follows the Wisne v. NCAA ruling from July 31, which allowed athletes who completed high school in 2022 to extend their eligibility. The NCAA's appeal of that ruling has been effectively blocked by this new injunction.
Ahmaad Moses, recognized as a First Team All-ACC selection in 2025, has participated in 54 games and started in 19 during his tenure with the Mustangs. He played a crucial role in the team's achievements, contributing to a conference championship in 2023 and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.
In the previous season, he topped the team with 104 tackles and five interceptions, along with 5.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries. Notably, during a home match against Miami (FL), he achieved a career-high of 15 tackles and intercepted two passes, leading to an overtime win.
After declaring for the NFL Draft post-2025 season, Moses encountered a setback due to a herniated disk discovered through an MRI, necessitating spinal fusion surgery. This injury and the subsequent surgery are thought to have affected his NFL prospects, enabling him to meet the criteria for a return under the ACC's revised eligibility regulations.
Moses has been training with the SMU team during fall camp following the Wisne ruling. Unless the NCAA opts to appeal, he is anticipated to participate in the Mustangs' season opener against Florida State on September 7. He will reunite with a safety group that features his former understudy Tyren Polley and UTSA transfer Jimmy Wyrick, among other previous All-ACC selections on the roster.
