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NCAA wins stay, blocking athletes’ fifth-year eligibility

8/22/2026

39 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

NCAA Halts Eligibility

The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NCAA’s stay request in Wisne v. NCAA.
The stay halted Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s preliminary injunction that granted Class of 2022 athletes a fifth year.
Penn State said 38 current and former athletes lost their fifth-year eligibility after the stay.
A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order for 16 players, including NFL rookie Jack Pyburn, keeping them eligible.

Summary

Cabinet Blocks Rule

Division I Cabinet voted against retroactive application of the age-based eligibility rule, citing harm to athletes.
Indiana defensive linemen Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt may practice but stay game-ineligible pending appeal.
Cincinnati guard MJ Collins, a 2026 Second Team pick, averaged 17.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Ohio Court of Appeals set oral arguments for the Collins case on Sept. 22, before Cincinnati’s season opener Nov. 2.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the NCAA adopted a five-year eligibility clock, giving athletes five seasons to compete. Penn State later disclosed that 38 players lost a fifth year after a 2024 appellate stay. The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and an Ohio panel have now lifted Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s injunction, scheduling September arguments that keep the 1995 rule central to future disputes.

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NCAA Halts Eligibility

The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NCAA’s stay request in Wisne v. NCAA.
The stay halted Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s preliminary injunction that granted Class of 2022 athletes a fifth year.
Penn State said 38 current and former athletes lost their fifth-year eligibility after the stay.
A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order for 16 players, including NFL rookie Jack Pyburn, keeping them eligible.

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