Texas State RB Ismail Mahdi plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Texas State running back Ismail Mahdi plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Mahdi led the nation in all-purpose yards in 2023 (2,169). He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

In the 2024 regular season, Mahdi tallied 991 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 183 carries. Mahdi wasn’t only a threat on the ground game. He also reeled in 24 catches for 195 yards and two scores.

Mahdi put up even more impressive statistics in his sophomore season in 2023, finishing the year with 1,331 rushing yards, 275 receiving yards, 563 return yards and 12 total touchdowns.

For his efforts, he was named a Second Team All-American as an all-purpose player by FWAA, ESPN, The Athletic and Phil Steele. Additionally, Mahdi earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors as an all-purpose player and was All-Sun Belt Second Team as a return specialist.

Before transferring to Texas State, Mahdi spent one season at the FCS program, Houston Christian. In his lone season at HCU, Mahdi erupted for 568 rushing yards and two TDs in eight games. He also racked up 32 receptions for 333 yards and three scores.

In turn, Mahdi was a Jerry Rice Award finalist and was an FCS STATS Perform National Freshman of the Week. Mahdi’s standout season gained him nationwide attention, eventually leading to him landing with Texas State. Now, Mahdi will search for greener pastures again.

Ismail Mahdi played high school football at Plano East High School, where he was an unranked prospect in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With one of the best résumés in college football, Mahdi will immediately be one of the top targets in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter/X account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.