SMU · ACCTRO clears SMU safety Ahmaad Moses to return for 2026
Moses, SMU’s 2025 leader in tackles and interceptions, can rejoin the Mustangs after spinal fusion surgery interrupted his NFL draft path. His status remains subject to the NCAA’s appeal.
AUG 28, 2026
A temporary restraining order has cleared SMU safety Ahmaad Moses to return for the 2026 season, putting him back in the picture for the Sept. 7 opener at Florida State.
Moses led SMU with 104 tackles and five interceptions in 2025, adding 5.5 tackles behind the line and two recovered fumbles on his way to First Team All-ACC honors. He had 15 tackles and two interceptions in the Nov. 1 overtime win over Miami. Over four seasons, he made 54 appearances and 19 starts for SMU.
Moses had declared for the NFL Draft and received a Scouting Combine invitation, but an MRI at the combine revealed a herniated disk. He subsequently underwent spinal fusion surgery. Moses has practiced with SMU during fall camp and is slated to return against Florida State unless the NCAA appeals.
The order covers 41 student-athletes, including 18 football players. Seventeen of those football players competed in the FBS in 2025.
For No. 19 SMU, Moses’ return restores the player who led last year’s 9-4 team in both tackles and interceptions. Whether the NCAA’s appeal of the underlying *Wisne v. NCAA* ruling affects his availability remains unresolved. The reporting does not establish whether the NCAA will challenge this TRO or whether Moses will be cleared to play in Tallahassee.