Home / Sports / Judge Grants Michigan Football Player 5th Year Eligibility
Judge Grants Michigan Football Player 5th Year Eligibility
14 Oct
Summary
- Alex Bauman granted a fifth season of eligibility by a judge.
- The ruling forces the NCAA to allow immediate participation in Division 1.
- Bauman enrolled at Michigan and could play in 2026-27.
A significant legal victory for college athlete Alex Bauman could soon benefit the University of Michigan football team. On Tuesday, Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Julia B. Owdziej granted a preliminary injunction, forcing the NCAA to allow Bauman, a former Tulane and Miami tight end, to play his fifth season of eligibility.
Bauman, who is now enrolled in classes at Michigan, had his case filed stating an immediate opportunity to join the Wolverines for the 2026-27 football season. This ruling follows similar successful injunctions for Michigan basketball players Kenny Noland and Roddy Gayle Jr., who also sought an extra year of eligibility against the NCAA.
The addition of Bauman could provide a much-needed spark to Michigan's tight end room. In his best season in 2023 for Tulane, he recorded 35 catches for 286 yards and five touchdowns, contributing significantly to his career total of 63 receptions for 610 yards and 13 touchdowns over four seasons. This season, Michigan's tight ends have seen limited action.
