Arizona Star Running Back Ismail Mahdi Set for Season Debut Against Northern Illinois

Arizona Wildcats fans have reason for optimism this week as last year's leading rusher, Ismail Mahdi, is expected to make his season debut Saturday against Northern Illinois. The fifth-year senior was granted eligibility by a Pima County judge ahead of Week 2 but did not see the field in Arizona's 28-17 loss to BYU.

Offensive coordinator Seth Doege confirmed Tuesday that Mahdi would play against the Huskies, adding a dynamic playmaker to a backfield that already features Kedrick Reescano, Antwan Roberts, and Quincy Craig. Mahdi brings over 3,100 career rushing yards and 18 touchdowns to the table, a serious boost for a Wildcats offense that was shut out in the second half last week.

What does Ismail Mahdi bring to the Arizona offense?

Mahdi led the Wildcats with 859 rushing yards last season, proving himself as a reliable and explosive runner. His return gives Arizona a proven workhorse and takes pressure off quarterback Noah Fifita, who has been carrying the load through the first two games.

Head coach Brent Brennan was cautious when asked about Mahdi's role, saying the team would see how practice plays out this week. But Doege's comments suggest the coaching staff is ready to unleash the veteran back against a Northern Illinois defense that has struggled all season.

How did Northern Illinois fare against Iowa?

The Huskies are 0-2 on the year, and their struggles began in Week 1 with a brutal 40-0 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. They followed that up with a defeat to FCS opponent Illinois State, leaving little reason for confidence heading into Tucson.

For Iowa fans, the Huskies' collapse is a reminder of the Hawkeyes' defensive dominance early in the season. Iowa's shutout victory showcased the kind of disciplined, physical football that has become a hallmark of the program under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

Who steps up at wide receiver with Gio Richardson out?

Richardson, Arizona's leader with 14 receptions and 161 receiving yards, will miss time with a lower leg injury. That opens the door for Tre Spivey, a senior transfer from Kansas State who caught 23 passes for 381 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Spivey has been quiet so far this season with just six catches and 59 yards, but this matchup against a vulnerable Huskies secondary presents a prime opportunity for a breakout game. Expect Fifita to look his way early and often as Arizona looks to rebound from last week's disappointing loss.

Cole Rusk has extra motivation against Northern Illinois

Tight end Cole Rusk, a senior transfer from Illinois, grew up rooting for NIU and even took an official visit there while being recruited out of Rock Island High School. He has three receptions for 61 yards this season and will have added motivation to perform well against the team he nearly joined.

Rusk's presence gives Arizona a reliable target over the middle and a strong run blocker on the edge, making him a key piece of the offense's success this week.

What is the game plan for Arizona against NIU?

Arizona enters as heavy favorites, and the focus will be on establishing the run early with Mahdi and company. The Wildcats need to avoid the second-half slump that plagued them against BYU, where the offense stalled and failed to score after halftime.

Defensively, Arizona will look to build on its solid start and keep the Huskies off the board. Northern Illinois has scored just 10 points all season, so the Wildcats should have plenty of opportunities to control the game.

When and where is the Arizona vs. Northern Illinois game?

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT (9:30 PM CT) Saturday at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson. The game will be broadcast on TNT, giving fans across the country a chance to watch Arizona's offense get back on track.

For Iowa fans, this game offers a chance to see how the team that lost to the Hawkeyes responds, and whether Arizona's star running back can live up to the hype in his season debut.