A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a ruling that would have allowed many student-athletes, including SMU safety Ahmaad Moses, to compete for an additional year of eligibility. The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver granted the NCAA's request to pause the lower court's order while the appeals process continues.
The original decision by U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte Sweeney stated that athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and used their four seasons of eligibility this spring were entitled to an extra year. This ruling followed legal challenges from players who felt they were unfairly denied the same relief granted to earlier classes during the pandemic.
The NCAA is also moving toward a new eligibility model that allows for five seasons of play within a five-year window.
Moses, who is from Arlington and began his college career at SMU in 2022, has faced setbacks due to an injury that prevented him from entering the professional ranks. Despite his accomplishments, including being named an All-ACC first-team player, he remains unsigned as he awaits the outcome of the legal situation.
SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has expressed support for Moses returning to play, but the current legal hold complicates matters. While some athletes have secured individual fifth years through separate lawsuits, Moses has not pursued that route yet. He will continue to practice with the team as they await a final decision on this eligibility issue.
