NCAA Eligibility Update

Could Class of 2022 College Athletes Get Another Season? What the NCAA Ruling Means

A court ruling has put the NCAA’s eligibility rules back in the spotlight. For some college athletes who graduated high school in 2022, the legal fight could affect whether they get another season to compete. But the situation has changed since the first ruling, so athletes and families should understand both what the judge decided and where things stand now.

What happened?

Traditionally, NCAA Division I athletes generally had five years in which to compete in four seasons. In June 2026, the NCAA adopted a new age-based model that allows eligible athletes to compete in five seasons during a five-year eligibility period, subject to the applicable rules.

The new model’s transition rules did not give an extra season to athletes who had already used their final season under the previous system during the 2025–26 academic year. Some athletes from the high school Class of 2022 challenged that distinction, arguing they were being treated differently from athletes who could benefit from the new rules.

What did the judge decide?

On July 31, 2026, a federal judge in Colorado issued a preliminary injunction affecting qualifying Division I athletes from the Class of 2022 who had exhausted four seasons of competition. The order was intended to let those athletes compete in a fifth season while the lawsuit proceeded.

The judge later clarified that the order concerned the fifth season of competition only. It did not automatically override transfer rules, roster limits or revenue-sharing limits.

What is the status now?

The NCAA appealed. On August 21, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit stayed the Colorado injunction while the appeal proceeds. That means the initial Colorado order should not be treated as a currently available, automatic fifth season for every athlete covered by that case.

Other athletes have brought separate eligibility cases in other courts, and individual situations may differ. The legal position can change as courts issue further decisions, so athletes should check the latest status with their school’s compliance office before making plans.

Why could this matter for athletes?

If an athlete is ultimately allowed to compete for another season, the potential benefits could include:

• Another opportunity to compete at the college level.
• More time to develop and demonstrate their ability.
• Potential additional NIL opportunities, depending on the athlete’s circumstances and applicable rules.
• Another chance to be evaluated by professional scouts.
• More time to assess academic, athletic and future-career options.

These are possibilities, not guaranteed outcomes. Eligibility to compete does not by itself guarantee a roster spot, playing time, NIL income or professional opportunities.

How could this affect college recruiting?

If more experienced athletes remain eligible, coaches may have fewer roster openings available for incoming freshmen and transfers in some programs. That could affect roster planning and make it even more important for recruits to understand where they fit.

However, the impact will vary by sport, school and roster. Athletes should not assume every program will have fewer openings; instead, they should ask coaches about position needs, roster composition and recruiting plans.

What should high school athletes and families do?

• Build relationships with coaches early. Do not wait until the end of high school to begin communicating with college programs.
• Research roster needs. Look at the athletes already on a team and ask coaches about recruiting needs for your position and graduation year.
• Keep academic options open. Academic eligibility and admissions requirements remain important.
• Verify eligibility information. Current college athletes should speak with their school’s compliance staff about their own record and the latest court orders.
• Stay flexible. Recruiting rules and roster situations can change, so make decisions based on confirmed information rather than social media headlines.

The bottom line

The Class of 2022 eligibility lawsuit could have significant consequences, but the first injunction was stayed during the NCAA’s appeal. The safest approach is to follow the current legal status and get individual eligibility questions confirmed by the appropriate compliance staff.

For high school recruits, the broader lesson remains the same: college recruiting is about more than talent. Understanding school needs, building coach relationships and finding the right fit can help families make better-informed decisions.

Important: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice or an official eligibility determination. Court orders and NCAA rules can change. Athletes should confirm their own status with their college compliance office or the relevant eligibility authority.

Further reading:
Reuters: Judge grants extra year of NCAA eligibility to high school Class of 2022
On3: NCAA motion to stay injunction in Class of 2022 eligibility lawsuit
Field Level Media: Court ruling halts fifth-year NCAA eligibility for some athletes