A temporary restraining order signed by a Dallas judge enables Ahmaad Moses, a safety for Southern Methodist University (SMU), to pursue a fifth season of eligibility in college football. The order prevents the NCAA, the SEC, and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey from blocking a group of about two dozen outgoing seniors from returning to college sports.
If the NCAA or SEC intends to challenge any of these returns, they must do so in court.
Moses, who was not selected in the recent NFL draft and has not entered into a professional contract, had planned to turn professional in 2026. However, he underwent spinal fusion surgery due to a herniated disk discovered during the NFL scouting combine. Since he has not signed with a professional team, he is eligible to return to the Mustangs.
He has been participating in fall camp and has been recognized as a team captain, in addition to being an All-ACC first-team selection in 2025, with 104 total tackles and five interceptions.
This ruling follows new regulations established by Power 4 conferences that bar schools from accepting players who have signed professional contracts. However, the restraining order explicitly states that the NCAA, SEC, and Sankey cannot prevent a player's return based on professional status. The order also includes Jordan Hudson, a former SMU receiver now with the Dallas Cowboys.