Tenth Circuit Upholds NCAA Stay, Blocking Fifth-Year Eligibility for Most 2022 Players
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit denied a request for a broader fifth-year eligibility for the 2022 class, leaving most players ineligible unless they hold separate court orders.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA’s request for a stay in the Wisne v. NCAA case, meaning that players from the 2022 class remain ineligible for a fifth year of college football unless they have already secured a temporary restraining order or injunction.
Earlier this summer, Colorado District Judge Charlotte Sweeney had ruled that some members of the 2022 class could receive a fifth year of eligibility, but clarified that athletes who signed NFL contracts would not be eligible to return to college play.
On Wednesday, a Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order for former LSU wide receiver Jack Pyburn, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and 15 other athletes, allowing them to retain eligibility despite the appellate court’s decision.
Legal analysts expect additional lawsuits as other 2022 players seek similar court orders to regain eligibility before the NFL roster cut-down deadline on Aug. 30.
"The decision underscores the complexity of navigating eligibility rules for athletes transitioning between college and professional football," said a spokesperson for the NCAA.
Recent individual rulings include a temporary restraining order for Arizona State defensive back Myles Rowser, which granted him a fifth year of eligibility and permission to enter the transfer portal.