Why was Diego Pavia allowed to play an extra season by the judge?

Judge Campbell granted Pavia a preliminary injunction in December 2024, allowing him to play an additional season due to specific circumstances regarding his junior college eligibility.

What are the NCAA's current redshirt rules for football?

NCAA rules currently permit athletes four seasons of competition within a five-year window, with a limit of four games where they can play and still retain their eligibility.

Will Langston Patterson be able to play in 2026-27?

As of January 16, 2026, a judge has denied a preliminary injunction, meaning Patterson and 18 other plaintiffs currently lack eligibility for the 2026-27 season.

Home / Sports / Judge Denies Athletes Fifth Year of Eligibility

Judge Denies Athletes Fifth Year of Eligibility

16 Jan

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Summary

Judge denied injunction for 19 athletes seeking an extra year.
Lawsuit challenged NCAA redshirt rules as antitrust violation.
Pavia's earlier win allowed him to play an extra season.

Judge Denies Athletes Fifth Year of Eligibility

U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell has denied a preliminary injunction to 19 plaintiffs, including Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, who were seeking an extra year of NCAA eligibility. This decision means these athletes cannot compete in 2026-27 under current rules. The lawsuit, filed in September 2025, contended that NCAA redshirt rules violate antitrust law, particularly in light of new revenue-sharing and direct payment systems for athletes.

The case will continue, but the possibility of resolving it in time for the athletes' next season appears slim. This ruling differs from a prior one in December 2024, where Campbell granted a similar injunction to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, allowing him to play a second season with the team after his junior college and New Mexico State stints.

While the NCAA has not issued a blanket waiver for a fifth year, discussions about rule changes have been postponed due to broader shifts in college sports compensation. Coaches recently recommended allowing players to participate in up to nine games while using a redshirt, a proposal that will be considered by NCAA committees.