Judge Stuns NCAA: Ex-Ole Miss Starters Granted 5th Year
College Athletes Sue NCAA for a Fifth Year of Eligibility: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
Imagine you’re a college athlete who played four seasons. Suddenly, the NCAA changes the rules to let future players compete for five seasons—but says you can’t have that extra year. That’s exactly what happened, and now over 100 athletes are suing the NCAA to get that fifth season back.
What Happened?
The Rule Change
In June 2026, the NCAA voted to change eligibility rules:
- Old rule: Athletes could play 4 seasons within a 5-year window
- New rule: Athletes can play 5 seasons within a 5-year window that starts when they enroll or after their 19th birthday
The Problem
The NCAA did not apply this new rule to current seniors who had already played four seasons. These athletes—who would qualify under the new rules—were left out.
Important: The NCAA said they didn’t want a sudden flood of returning players taking roster spots from incoming freshmen who had already committed.
The Lawsuit Wave
Latest Case: Louisiana Lawsuit
- 33 athletes filed suit in Louisiana state court (including 16 football players)
- 3 former Ole Miss starters: Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, Wydett Williams
- Other notable players: DQ Smith (South Carolina), Jack Pyburn (LSU), Junior Tuihalamaka (Notre Dame), Anthony Hankerson (Oregon State)
- Result: Judge granted a temporary restraining order letting them return for a fifth season
The NFL Complication
| Three players are currently on NFL rosters: | Player | NFL Team | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dae’Quan Wright | Cleveland Browns | Must be released by Sept 1 | |
| Wydett Williams | Arizona Cardinals | Must be released by Sept 1 | |
| Anthony Hankerson | Seattle Seahawks | Must be released by Sept 1 |
Their attorney says they want to be released to return to college.
The Most Important Case: Wisne v. NCAA
What Happened
- July 31, 2026: Federal Judge Charlotte Sweeney (Colorado) ruled in a class action lawsuit
- Her order: All athletes who started in the 2022-23 academic year can play a fifth season
- NCAA reaction: Chief legal officer Scott Bearby called it "egregious" and said it "invites further chaos"
Limitations of the Wisne Order
The order does NOT allow:
- Transferring outside the transfer portal window
- Players who signed professional contracts to return
That’s why the Louisiana players (who signed NFL deals) needed their own lawsuit.
Why So Many Lawsuits?
Legal Strategy
According to sports law expert Sam Ehrlich (Boise State professor):
- Athletes are filing in multiple states as backup protection
- If the Wisne ruling gets overturned on appeal, they still have their own cases
- Some want to transfer schools (which Wisne doesn’t allow)
Current Legal Status
- NCAA appealing Wisne and other restraining orders
- NCAA won an appeal in Borovicanin v. NCAA (Ohio case)
- Appeals court expected to rule on Wisne within days
Who Are These Players?
Key Point: None are superstars—they weren’t drafted and are on NFL roster fringes. But they’re experienced, starting-caliber players who could help college teams immediately.
Dae’Quan Wright (Tight End, Ole Miss → Browns)
- 2025 Stats: 39 catches, 635 yards
- Honors: Second-team All-SEC, NFL Combine invite
- Path: Signed with Eagles → cut → signed with Cleveland
Zxavian Harris (Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss → Saints)
- Size: 6’8", 330 lbs
- 2025 Stats: 58 tackles, 9 TFLs, 3 sacks (started all 15 games)
- Big Game: 10 tackles vs. Georgia in CFP quarterfinals
- Status: Waived by Saints in August (foot injury)
DQ Smith (Safety, South Carolina)
- Career: 45 starts, 228 tackles, 5 INTs, 11 pass breakups
- Recent: Tried out for Vikings in August
What Happens Next? (Step by Step)
- NFL Deadline: Players must be released by September 1 to join college rosters
- Court Rulings: Appeals court will decide if Wisne order stands
- More Hearings: Louisiana case and others will proceed
- Roster Decisions: Colleges must decide whether to add these players
- Season Start: Fall camp begins—teams need answers now
Summary
- NCAA changed rules to allow 5 seasons in 5 years—but excluded current seniors
- 100+ athletes are suing across multiple states
- Judges have granted temporary orders letting some play this fall
- Biggest ruling (Wisne) covers 2022-23 starters but not transfers or pros
- NCAA is appealing everything—creating uncertainty for everyone
- Players in limbo include NFL signees who need releases by September 1
FAQ
Q: Why didn’t the NCAA just let everyone have a fifth year?
A: They worried about roster chaos—too many returning players would push out incoming freshmen who had already signed.
Q: Can players who signed NFL contracts really come back to college?
A: Only if: (1) their NFL team releases them by Sept 1, AND (2) they win their court case. The Wisne ruling doesn’t cover pro contracts.
Q: What’s a "temporary restraining order"?
A: It’s a short-term court order letting players compete while the lawsuit continues. It’s not a final decision.
Q: Why are there lawsuits in so many different states?
A: Legal strategy. If one court rules against them, others might still win. It’s "backup insurance."
Q: When will this all be resolved?
A: The Wisne appeal could be decided within days. Other cases will take longer. But the season starts soon—so pressure is high.
This article is based on ESPN reporting by Dan Murphy (August 19, 2026). All player stats and legal details reflect information available at that time.