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15 Players Sue NCAA Over Five-Season Rule, Judge Denies Stay

6/25/2026

Summary

Players Sue NCAA

Fifteen basketball players sued in Ohio on June 24, 2026 for a fifth-season injunction for 2026-27 year.
The suit challenges the NCAA rule capping athletes at five seasons after enrollment or the year after turning 19.
A judge denied the restraining order on June 24, 2026 and scheduled a July 1, 2026 hearing on the injunction.
The NCAA said the rule applies to athletes and not retroactively to those whose eligibility ended by spring 2026.

Summary

NCAA Approves Age

The NCAA approved the age-based model on June 24 2026, creating a five-year eligibility clock that eliminates redshirts and waivers for Division I sports.
Detroit Lions rookie Aidan Keanaaina said the rule would have removed his extra 2025 college season, which helped attract NFL scouts, while assistant women’s lacrosse coach Kelsey Fee noted it may keep sports more amateur and spark recruiting excitement.
The policy permits exceptions for military service, religious missions and maternity leave.

Summary

UMD Roster Limits

UMD has only one roster spot for 2026-27 because NCAA caps limit additions.
Jackson Marthaler and Luke Puchner can defer to 2027 to keep five seasons.
Adam Kleber, Ty Hanson, Max Plante, Blake Bechen, Jayson Shaugabay and Harper Bentz each have three seasons left.
Transfer Barrett Hall earned an extra year, allowing two seasons at UMD.
Women’s goaltender Ève Gascon finishes under old rules with one season remaining.

History

Historical Context

In 1972 the NCAA voted to let freshmen play varsity basketball and football, ending a three-year rule that barred first-year students except during WWII. The change followed the 1968 decision that opened all other sports to freshmen and echoed the 1905 charter by 62 schools. It affected over 120 University Division programs such as the University of Michigan and Maryland, reshaping recruiting and season length.

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Players Sue NCAA

Fifteen basketball players sued in Ohio on June 24, 2026 for a fifth-season injunction for 2026-27 year.
The suit challenges the NCAA rule capping athletes at five seasons after enrollment or the year after turning 19.
A judge denied the restraining order on June 24, 2026 and scheduled a July 1, 2026 hearing on the injunction.
The NCAA said the rule applies to athletes and not retroactively to those whose eligibility ended by spring 2026.

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