Over 50 college athletes file suit demanding an extra year of eligibility
A group of 52 student-athletes has taken legal action against the NCAA, seeking a court order that would let them compete in the 2025-26 basketball season under the organization’s new five-year eligibility rule.
On July 30, a coalition of 52 collegiate athletes filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA, demanding an injunction that would allow them to play in the 2025-26 basketball season. The suit challenges the association’s new five-year eligibility framework, which starts a player’s clock at full-time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first, and removes traditional redshirt options.
Lead plaintiffs include former NC State forward Darrion Williams and Ohio State women’s guard Tyana Todd, with over a dozen additional athletes from various schools, many in North Carolina, named in the complaint. The athletes seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block the rule’s enforcement for the upcoming season. Their argument highlights that the policy only permits extra eligibility for limited cases such as pregnancy, military duty, or religious missions. The filing was detailed by Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 Network.
Why it matters
The case could reshape college eligibility rules and affect thousands of future student-athletes.
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