Mahdi earns All-American nods from ESPN and Phil Steele to earn five nominations for season

Ismail Mahdi added to his All-American honors for 2023 as the all-purpose back was named a second team All-American by ESPN and Phil Steele.

Mahdi has been named an All-American as an all-purpose player by five organizations in his first season at the FBS level. He was tabbed a first team All-American by CBS Sports/247Sports and a second team All-American by FWAA, The Athletic, ESPN and Phil Steele.

Mahdi, a sophomore who transferred to Texas State from HCU, ended the regular season with 2,014 all-purpose yards, which led the entire country. He set the Texas State FBS program record for most all-purpose yards in a season.

Out of Murphy, Texas, Mahdi had 1,209 rushing yards, 276 receiving yards, and 529 kick return yards in 12 games this season. He also had 12 total touchdowns, which included 10 rushing along with a receiving and kick return.

In addition to leading the country in all-purpose yards, Mahdi was 14th in rushing yards, 28th in yards per carry, and 34th in total touchdowns.

Mahdi was also named All-Sun Belt by Phil Steele as a running back (second team) and kick returner (third team). He was one of eight Bobcats who picked up all-conference honors from the publication. Others included Mason Shipley (first team), Joey Hobert (second team), Brian Holloway (second team), Ashtyn Hawkins (third team), Ben Bell (third team), TJ Finley (fourth team) and Brey Walker (fourth team).

Texas State is a week away from playing in its first bowl game as the Bobcats will face Rice in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas on Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 4:30 pm. The game can be watched on ESPN and heard on the Varsity Network, KTSW 89.9 FM, Sirius XM and TuneIn.

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