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The NCAA achieved a legal victory today as a federal appeals court in Colorado overturned a previous ruling that had granted a fifth year of eligibility to dozens of recently graduated student-athletes. This decision marks a significant moment in the NCAA's ongoing efforts to uphold its eligibility rules.
The initial lawsuit sought to allow these athletes to return to school under the new "five in five" eligibility model, which the NCAA refers to as "age-based eligibility." This model allows athletes five years of eligibility starting from enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. However, the NCAA intended for the rule to apply only to athletes in college during the 2026-27 academic year, excluding the senior Class of 2026.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, known for its stringent standards on preliminary injunctions, sided with the NCAA, citing procedural grounds rather than making a legal ruling on the new rule itself. The NCAA's appeal had argued against the quick timetable at which the lower court certified the class and issued a preliminary injunction.
Despite this victory, the NCAA's new rule has sparked a wave of legal challenges across the United States, with several state courts issuing temporary restraining orders in favor of athletes seeking an extra year of eligibility. The NCAA's implementation of the new standard, which excludes the senior Class of 2026, has been a point of contention, leading to numerous lawsuits.
The NCAA's legal battles continue as it seeks federal legislation through the Protect College Sports Act, which could provide an antitrust exemption to strengthen its position. Meanwhile, the NCAA's decision not to include departing seniors in the new rule has led to further legal challenges, as athletes argue for their right to compete for an additional year.