Court Order Grants Fifth Year of Eligibility to Dozens of College Basketball Players
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A preliminary injunction in Indiana's Monroe County Circuit Court clears the way for over 100 athletes to return to the court, including stars from Iowa State and Kansas.
Judge Kara Krothe of Indiana's Monroe County Circuit Court has granted a preliminary injunction on Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by nearly 90 college athletes seeking a fifth year of eligibility, as CBS Sports first reported.
The ruling has broad implications for the 2026-27 college basketball season. Per CBS Sports, the injunction requires the NCAA to allow more than 100 players to compete and prohibits the organization from applying professionalism rules. Additionally, the NCAA cannot block athletes who did not enter the transfer portal from playing for a different school and must open a new portal window. It is expected that the NCAA will appeal the ruling.
Several high-profile players are expected to return to their respective programs. Tamin Lipsey, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, is projected to return to Iowa State. CBS Sports notes that Lipsey provides a defensive boost and offensive creation for coach T.J. Otzelberger, who is managing a significant shoulder injury to sophomore guard Killyan Toure.
At Kansas, Tre White is expected to return for a fifth season under Bill Self. White, who averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, joins a roster featuring Tyran Stokes, Utah transfer Keanu Dawes, and Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. Meanwhile, Malik Reneau is set to return to Miami, where he previously led the team in scoring. Coach Jai Lucas will pair Reneau with new point guard Acaden Lewis, alongside starters Dante Allen, Shelton Henderson, and Somto Cyril.
Other notable returns include:
* **Wichita State:** Star point guard Kenyon Giles, who averaged 19.1 points last season, is projected to return to the Shockers. * **Indiana:** Sam Alexis will provide frontcourt depth for coach Darian DeVries, supporting projected starters Aiden Sherrell and Samet Yigitoglu. * **Santa Clara:** Elijah Mahi returns to a core that includes Sash Gavalyugov, Jake Ensminger, Thierry Darlan, and KJ Cochran under coach Herb Sendek. * **Wake Forest:** Former Georgia and Appalachian State big man Justin Abson could serve as the starting center for Steve Forbes.
Additionally, CBS Sports reports that UCF wing Riley Kugel, who averaged 14.4 points for a team that reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament, is now in the transfer portal. Kugel is expected to attract high-major interest, with potential suitors including LSU or a possible reunion with coach Johnny Dawkins at UCF.