A Dallas judge has issued a temporary restraining order that enables Ahmaad Moses, a safety for Southern Methodist University, to seek a fifth season of eligibility in college football. This ruling prevents the NCAA, the SEC, and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey from stopping around two dozen outgoing seniors from returning to college sports.
Should the NCAA or SEC attempt to block any of these players, they are required to present their case in court.
Moses, who went undrafted this year and has not signed a professional contract, initially aimed to turn professional in 2026. However, an MRI during the NFL scouting combine revealed a herniated disk that necessitated spinal fusion surgery. As he has not signed with a professional team, he is positioned to return to the Mustangs.
He has been actively practicing with SMU and has received recognition as a team captain and an All-ACC first-team selection in 2025, amassing 104 total tackles and five interceptions.
This decision follows new regulations from Power 4 conferences that prohibit schools from accepting players who have signed professional contracts. The restraining order clarifies that the NCAA, SEC, and Sankey are barred from hindering a player's return based on their professional status. The order also encompasses Jordan Hudson, a former SMU receiver now with the Dallas Cowboys.
Additionally, the NCAA is rolling out a "five for five" model that allows athletes to participate for five seasons within a five-year timeframe, although athletes from the high school Class of 2022 were not initially included in this provision.
