A recent decision by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted a ruling that would have allowed many student-athletes, including SMU safety Ahmaad Moses, to compete for an additional season of eligibility. This pause follows the NCAA's request while the appeals process is underway, creating uncertainty for players who had been informed they could extend their collegiate careers.
The original ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte Sweeney stated that athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and completed their four seasons of eligibility this spring were entitled to another year. This decision came after legal challenges from players who felt they were unfairly denied the same relief given to earlier classes during the pandemic.
The NCAA is also moving towards a new model that allows for five seasons of play within a five-year window.
Ahmaad Moses, who began his collegiate career at SMU in 2022, was a team captain and earned All-ACC first-team honors in 2025. Despite plans to enter the NFL, an injury and subsequent surgery left him undrafted and unsigned. While he continues to practice with the team, the current legal hold complicates his eligibility status.
The timing of the final legal resolution remains unclear, as the Mustangs are set to open their season against Florida State on Sept. 7.
