5 college football players denied injunction for 5th year of eligibility

A federal judge has denied a request from five college football players seeking a fifth year of eligibility, ruling against their class action lawsuit which claimed the NCAA's rules violate U.S. antitrust laws. The decision affects Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, Nebraska long snapper Kevin Gallic, and Wisconsin players Lance Mason, Nathaniel Vakos, and Nick Levy. These athletes played four seasons without redshirting and argued their coaches wanted them back for another season. U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell rejected their request for a preliminary injunction to play in 2026, citing insufficient grounds to mandate such a change. Previously, Campbell had allowed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia an extra year due to his unique collegiate start at a junior college. The ruling highlights ongoing debates about NCAA eligibility rules and their impact on athletes’ careers.