A federal appeals court has put a temporary hold on a ruling that would have allowed many student-athletes, including SMU safety Ahmaad Moses, to compete for an additional season 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 unfolds.
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 could claim an extra year. This ruling came after legal challenges from players who argued they were unfairly denied the same relief provided to earlier classes during the pandemic.
At the same time, the NCAA is moving towards a new model that would allow up to five seasons of play within a five-year span.
Moses, who is from Arlington, Texas, began his career at SMU in fall 2022 and has completed four seasons. He was a team captain and received All-ACC first-team honors in 2025. However, an injury has complicated his plans to enter the professional ranks.
Although he has not pursued individual legal action for a fifth year, he continues to practice with the team as he awaits further developments. The timing of the legal resolution is uncertain, with SMU's season opener against Florida State set for September 7.
