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.