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Ex-Utah State Guards Challenge NCAA Age Eligibility Model

6/25/2026

Summary

Collins & King Sue

Former Utah State guards MJ Collins and Kolby King sued the NCAA over its new age-based eligibility model.
The NCAA’s model gives athletes five years to play five seasons and excludes the 2026 graduating class.
Collins, King, 13 other players and Xavier forward Filip Borovicanin seek an additional year of eligibility and say they will try to join coach Jerrod Calhoun at Cincinnati if a court grants it.

Summary

Lawyers Sue NCAA

Attorneys Darren Heitner and Ryan Downton sued the NCAA, alleging it breached Ohio’s covenant of fair dealing by excluding 2022 high-school graduates.
They seek injunctive relief to allow scholarship, revenue-sharing, and NIL agreements for the 2026-27 season.
Former Xavier forward Filip Borovicanin has been training with the Musketeers and could return for 2026-27 if the lawsuit succeeds.
Malik Messina-Moore expects to seek a wing spot pending the case’s outcome.

Summary

Athletes Sue NCAA

15 basketball athletes (class of 2022) filed a lawsuit in Hamilton County, Ohio seeking an injunction for a fifth season, alleging the NCAA’s age-based rule breaches its contract with schools and denies them third-party rights.
Attorneys Darren Heitner and Ryan Downton have recruited 50+ players and will file suits in several states, citing the NCAA’s extra-year eligibility for COVID-19-disrupted 2020 athletes and its G League return policy as inconsistent.

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Collins & King Sue

Former Utah State guards MJ Collins and Kolby King sued the NCAA over its new age-based eligibility model.
The NCAA’s model gives athletes five years to play five seasons and excludes the 2026 graduating class.
Collins, King, 13 other players and Xavier forward Filip Borovicanin seek an additional year of eligibility and say they will try to join coach Jerrod Calhoun at Cincinnati if a court grants it.

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