Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi is expected to make his season debut when the Wildcats host Northern Illinois in Week 3. Offensive coordinator Seth Doege indicated the fifth-year senior would play against the Huskies after missing Arizona’s 28-17 loss to BYU.
Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris received eligibility approval for the season from a Pima County judge before Week 2. Harris played against BYU, while Mahdi remained out. He led Arizona with 859 rushing yards last season and enters this year with more than 3,100 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Mahdi will join a backfield that includes Kedrick Reescano, Antwan Roberts and Quincy Craig. Coach Brent Brennan had previously declined to specify Mahdi’s role, saying it would depend on the team’s work during the week, while also commending the group of running backs.
Arizona will also be without wide receiver Gio Richardson for a period because of a lower-leg injury, Brennan said. Richardson has 14 catches for 161 yards through two games, and his absence creates an opportunity for Tre Spivey to take on a larger role.
Spivey recorded 23 receptions for 381 yards and seven touchdowns last season after transferring from Kansas State, but has six catches for 59 yards this year.
