Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt still waiting on NCAA decision

Jacory Croskey-Merritt has yet to hear back from the NCAA on his eligibility status, leaving the Arizona running back doubtful for Saturday night’s game at No. 10 Utah, a source tells On3.

The New Mexico transfer is still waiting to hear back from the NCAA. The one-time Ole Miss commit rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s Week 1 win against New Mexico.

The eligibility concerns stem from his freshman year at Alabama State and if he redshirted. The school said he only played in four games before switching numbers with another back. ESPN stats show he played in eight games.

He carried the ball 189 times for 1,190 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in 2023 at New Mexico. Croskey-Meritt was cleared to play this season during the offseason, but the NCAA is now reviewing info that he supposedly played eight games in 2019.

The NCAA previously declined comment to On3 on the situation. A timetable has not been set for a possible return. Without Croskey-Merritt, Arizona has leaned on running back Quali Conley. He’s rushed for 250 yards and four touchdowns in three games. Conley is averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Ole Miss transfer Kedrick Reescano has carried the ball nine time for 74 yards and a touchdown this season.

Arizona is 2-1 and coming off a bye after a 31-7 loss at Kansas State. The Wildcats dropped out of the AP poll after the loss.

“We’re just being overcautious with that and we made that determination,” Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said after the Kansas State game on Croskey-Merritt’s status.

Arizona’s game at Utah kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET on Saturday night on ESPN. Utah quarterback Cameron Rising did not play in last week’s win at Oklahoma State, dealing with a hand injury.