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College Athletes Fight NCAA for Fifth Year Eligibility
20 Aug
Summary
- Athletes with NFL contracts obtained a court order for college eligibility.
- The NCAA is facing multiple legal challenges to its eligibility rules.
- A recent ruling impacts current athletes eligible for a fifth season.

A Louisiana court has granted a temporary restraining order to several athletes, including some with NFL contracts, enabling their return to college sports. This legal development impacts athletes who have signed with NFL teams but are seeking an additional year of college eligibility.
The NCAA is experiencing a series of legal setbacks concerning its established eligibility regulations. The organization voiced concerns that court rulings are creating instability in college sports.
Tim Buckley, NCAA senior vice president, stated that courts are failing to recognize the disruptive impact of granting relief to ineligible athletes. He argued that legal actions may lead to college sports becoming a mere fallback for professional athletes.
Previously, on July 31, a federal court in Denver ruled that class of 2022 athletes who completed their fourth college season are eligible for a fifth. This decision came shortly after the NCAA adopted a rule allowing five years for five seasons, starting with the fall 2027 enrollees.