Ismail Mahdi

Ismail Mahdi (born May 28, 2003) is a Kenyan college football running back for the Arizona Wildcats. Mahdi began his college career with Houston Christian before transferring to Texas State Bobcats in 2023.

Early life Mahdi's father was Somali and his mother was Kenyan. They fled Somalia due to the Somali civil war, and Mahdi was born in a refugee camp in Kenya on May 28, 2003. Mahdi attended Plano East Senior High School in Plano, Texas. As a junior, he totaled 1,607 yards and 15 touchdowns. As a senior, Mahdi rushed for 1,362 yards and 14 touchdowns, before his season was ended due to a knee injury. He committed to play college football at Houston Christian University.

College career

Houston Christian As a freshman, Mahdi recorded 568 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns, being named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. After the season, he entered the transfer portal.

Texas State Following his decision to transfer to Texas State University, Mahdi led the FBS in all-purpose yards through five games, recording 934 total yards. In the first game of the season against Baylor, Mahdi tallied 83 yards rushing and two total touchdowns, in a 42–31 upset win. Against Nevada, he rushed for a career-high 216 yards and two touchdowns. The following week, Mahdi returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, while also rushing for three touchdowns, helping lead Texas State to a 50–36 victory over Southern Mississippi. As a result of his performance, he was named the Hornung Award National Player of the Week.

On December 9, 2024, Mahdi announced that he would enter the transfer portal.

Arizona On December 21, 2024, Mahdi announced that he would transfer to the University of Arizona.

Statistics + Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP Att Yards Avg TD Rec Yards Avg TD 2022 Houston Christian 8 104 459 4.4 1 30 250 8.3 2 2023 Texas State 13 223 1,331 6.0 10 20 275 13.8 1 2024 Texas State 12 183 991 5.4 4 24 195 8.1 2 2025 Arizona 13 134 859 6.4 4 17 119 7.0 1Career 46 644 3,640 5.6 19 91 839 9.2 6

Professional career