NCAA vows to appeal Colorado judge's temporary eligibility extension for 2022 grads

The NCAA has formally declared its intention to appeal a Colorado district court order that temporarily extends eligibility to a fifth year for members of the 2022 high-school cohort. Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby described Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s ruling as “egregiously wrong,” noting it was issued without a hearing, evidence, or witness testimony and threatens to create chaos in college sports. The association argues that one federal court lacks authority to nullify a prior settlement injunction that governs roster limits and revenue-share caps.

Football general managers from power conferences, speaking anonymously, confirmed they are compiling potential roster lists but have not acted. Conferences such as the Big Ten and Pac-12 have sought clarification on the ruling’s scope. The NCAA’s memo stresses that the injunction remains in effect and that an expedited appeal will aim to restore the status quo for thousands of student-athletes who chose schools based on existing rules.