Federal Judge Grants Fifth Year Eligibility to 2022 Graduates, Opening Roster Spots for Arizona Teams
A Colorado federal judge ruled that athletes who finished high school in 2022 receive a fifth year of eligibility, allowing them to re-enter the NCAA transfer portal and potentially return to Arizona programs.
On Friday, a Colorado federal judge issued a preliminary injunction granting a fifth year of eligibility to athletes who graduated high school in 2022, a group previously excluded from the NCAA's "5 for 5" rule. The class-action decision, which mirrors recent rulings in Tennessee and Ohio, opens the transfer portal for these players despite its usual closure. Arizona head basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, who had just finished summer practice, indicated interest in adding a 16th roster spot, targeting forward RJ Godfrey.
The ruling could also enable former Wildcats across football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, softball, tennis, golf and track to return for another season, with several specific athletes named as potential returnees. This development gives Arizona's various programs a broader pool of experienced players for the upcoming year.
Why it matters
The decision expands eligibility, letting many former Arizona athletes potentially return for an extra collegiate season.
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