Arizona senior running back Ismail Mahdi was named to the preseason Paul Hornung Award watch list on Thursday.
The Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in college football.
When Mahdi played at Texas State, the running back and returner led FBS in all-purpose yards (2,169) in 2023 and was a two-time All-Sun Belt First-Team member the last two seasons. Mahdi was named a first-team All-American by CBS Sports and 247Sports in 2023.
Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi speaks to reporters on media day at Davis Sports Center, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Mahdi started his college career at Houston Christian before he transferred to Texas State. In two seasons with the Bobcats, Mahdi had 406 rush attempts for 2,322 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had 31 kick returns for 760 yards and a touchdown.
The winner will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville, Kentucky, in March.
Arizona kicks off the season against Hawaii on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on TNT and HBO Max.
