A judge in Dallas has issued a temporary restraining order that permits Ahmaad Moses, a safety for Southern Methodist University (SMU), to seek a fifth season of college football eligibility. This legal decision bars the NCAA, SEC, and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey from obstructing the return of Moses and approximately two dozen other outgoing seniors to college sports.
Should the NCAA or SEC wish to contest any of these returns, they are required to present their case in court.
Moses, who went undrafted this year and has not signed a professional contract, was initially planning to turn professional in 2026. However, an MRI at the NFL scouting combine revealed a herniated disk that necessitated spinal fusion surgery. Since he has not signed with a professional team, he is eligible to return to the Mustangs and has been practicing with the team during fall camp.
In 2025, he was named a team captain and an All-ACC first-team selection, recording 104 total tackles and five interceptions.
This ruling follows recent changes by Power 4 conferences that restrict schools from accepting players with signed professional contracts. However, the restraining order clarifies that the NCAA, SEC, and Sankey cannot prevent a player’s return based on their professional status. The order also encompasses Jordan Hudson, a former SMU receiver now with the Dallas Cowboys.
