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Fifth-Year Eligibility Returns UW Defensive Lineman
10 Aug
Summary
- Defensive lineman Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei is back with Washington for another season.
- A recent court decision granted players from the 2022-23 season a fifth year.
- Uiagalelei returns to play with the Huskies after not being drafted into the NFL.
Washington Huskies defensive lineman Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei was present at the team's first padded practice on Sunday. He is resuming his role with the starters, wearing number 46. Uiagalelei had completed his fourth year of eligibility following the 2025 season, attempting to pursue a professional career.
His NFL prospects did not immediately pan out, as he was not drafted or signed by any team. However, a July 31 U.S. District court ruling in Colorado granted a class-wide injunction. This decision provides a fifth year of eligibility for players who enrolled in the 2022-23 academic season, overriding previous four-year limits.
This new NCAA guideline, stemming from a court decision, has allowed Uiagalelei to return to the Huskies' roster. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive tackle brings significant size and experience to the interior defensive line. Last season, he recorded 20 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and two sacks.
