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Judge Grants Extra Year Eligibility, NCAA Appeals, Opens Portal

8/3/2026

Summary

Sweeney Grants Eligibility

U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney (Colorado) issued an injunction on July 31 2026 granting the class of 2022 an extra year of college eligibility.
The order bars athletes over age 24 or who have signed a professional contract from using the extra year.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby filed an appeal on August 2 2026 and opened a transfer-portal window from August 3-10 2026 for winter-sport athletes, saying existing caps and deadlines stay in effect.

Summary

Keita Returns

Keba Keita, a 6'9" center who spent his last two seasons with the Cougars, may return to BYU under the ruling.
He impressed at the G-League Combine and the Indiana Pacers’ Summer League, yet remains unlikely to sign an NBA deal now.
The Grizzlies argue that a BYU comeback for Richie Saunders, the 32nd-overall pick rehabbing an ACL tear, could jeopardize his recovery and future NBA prospects.

History

Historical Context

After the NCAA granted a COVID-19 eligibility waiver in October 2020—signed by President Mark Emmert and covering about 1,000 winter-sport athletes—the association faced its first major eligibility challenge since Warren Alfson’s 1937 redshirt request. Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s July 31 2026 injunction extends the 2022 class and bars players over 24, prompting an August 2 appeal by Scott Bearby.

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Sweeney Grants Eligibility

U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney (Colorado) issued an injunction on July 31 2026 granting the class of 2022 an extra year of college eligibility.
The order bars athletes over age 24 or who have signed a professional contract from using the extra year.
NCAA chief legal officer Scott Bearby filed an appeal on August 2 2026 and opened a transfer-portal window from August 3-10 2026 for winter-sport athletes, saying existing caps and deadlines stay in effect.

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