The Tenth Circuit has granted the NCAA’s stay request in the Wisne vs. NCAA lawsuit, effectively denying qualifying players from the Class of 2022 a fifth year of eligibility unless they have already been granted temporary restraining orders or injunctions.

Lawsuit Background

Earlier this summer, Colorado District Judge Charlotte Sweeney ruled that some members of the 2022 class could be granted a fifth year of eligibility. This decision sparked a wave of interest in the possibility of athletes returning to college football after signing NFL contracts.

However, the NCAA had clarified that athletes who signed NFL contracts would be ineligible for a return to college football. Despite this clarification, rookies across the league have been exploring the possibility of NCAA comebacks.

Temporary Restraining Orders and Injunctions

On Wednesday, former LSU standout and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jack Pyburn and 15 other athletes were granted a temporary restraining order by a Louisiana judge. This means that Pyburn and the other 15 players are eligible for a return to college football, despite the Tenth Circuit’s ruling.

Players who were granted TROs and injunctions, as well as other lawsuits, are not impacted by this order. However, it is expected that many players who are back on rosters hoping to use their 5th year will join separate lawsuits seeking their years back.

Lawsuits and the NFL Regular Season

The new ruling in Wisne vs. NCAA may be a victory for the NCAA, but it will trigger another wave of lawsuits as other members of the 2022 class seek their own temporary restraining orders and injunctions.

With the NFL regular season approaching and roster cut-down day set for August 30, more rookies on the fringes may turn their attention back to the college ranks instead of fighting for roster spots at the pro level. If that happens, they may take legal action in hopes of getting one more year of eligibility.

Recent cases have shown that athletes can score victories in this department. For example, Arizona State defensive back and All-Big 12 honoree Myles Rowser was granted a temporary restraining order that not only granted him a fifth year of eligibility but also allowed him to enter the transfer portal.

Other players, like Indiana edge rushers Stephen Daley and Kellar Wyatt, have announced their return on the strength of the Colorado eligibility ruling. They are now ineligible for the moment, but they are among countless other players who could take legal action to get a temporary restraining order or injunction of their own.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how many players will pursue their options and what the long-term consequences will be for the NCAA and college football as a whole.