Former Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi announced he is opening Dickey’s Barbecue Pit located at 7077 N Thornydale Road. Mahdi was a key contributor to the 2025 Arizona football team totaling 978 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. Mahdi totaled 2,792 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two seasons at Texas State before joining Arizona. The Tucson community stood out to Mahdi as he wanted to give back to those who supported his transition. “I was there for a year… good people, good community,” Mahdi said on Spears & Ali.