Colorado judge's injunction expands eligibility for 2022 class under NCAA's 5-for-5 rule

A Colorado judge has issued an injunction that permits members of the high-school class of 2022 to compete in the 2026-27 college season under the NCAA’s 5-for-5 eligibility rule, which grants athletes five seasons of competition within five years of enrollment. The ruling applies to athletes who finished their collegiate careers in four years, effectively creating a new pool of free agents.

The timing coincides with preseason training camps for football programs, and coaches may consider adding players to address depth concerns or injuries. Some athletes, such as linebacker Alex Afari, are weighing the decision against pursuing NFL opportunities.

In basketball, a few roster spots remain open, with players like forward Mark Mitchell of Missouri and guard Riley Kugel of UCF listed as potential returnees. The market also includes former transfer portal candidates, including Donovan Dent of UCLA, who announced a return after initially planning to retire.

The injunction has prompted analysts to track the emerging list of football and basketball players exploring another year of eligibility, highlighting the impact of the rule on roster management and recruiting strategies.

"The injunction opens the floodgates for this rule to apply to every athlete who just completed their college career in four years," a source familiar with the case said.

The development may influence both collegiate programs and professional prospects as athletes decide whether to extend their college careers or move on to the next level.