MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — A major federal court ruling on Friday has dramatically changed the college athletics landscape, and it could be a game-changer for West Virginia.
U.S. District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney granted a class-wide preliminary injunction requiring the NCAA to restore a fifth season of eligibility to athletes who began competing during the 2022-23 academic year, exhausted four seasons of eligibility following the 2025-26 season, and were barred from returning because of the NCAA’s Five-Year Eligibility Rule. The injunction applies to all NCAA Division I sports and remains in effect while the case moves through the courts. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their case, would suffer irreparable harm without relief, and that the balance of equities and public interest favored granting the injunction.
The decision creates immediate ripple effects across the country. Schools are now evaluating which former players could return, while the NCAA is expected to reopen the transfer portal from August 3-10 for athletes impacted by the ruling. Programs now have an opportunity to bring back experienced contributors just weeks before fall sports begin, creating an unprecedented offseason scramble.
A federal judge has granted a class-wide preliminary injunction requiring the NCAA to restore a fifth year of eligibility for thousands of college athletes.
The ruling applies to all athletes who began competing in NCAA Division I during the 2022-23 season, completed four… pic.twitter.com/AMpfobf6hW
— Green 19 Football (@Green19Football) August 1, 2026
For West Virginia, the ruling could not have come at a better time.
On the basketball side, both Javan Buchanan and Brenen Lorient are now eligible to return for the 2026-27 season. Buchanan was expected to be a key piece of Ross Hodge’s roster before his waiver request was denied earlier this week, and now this ruling gives him a path back onto the floor. Lorient was one of West Virginia’s most productive players last season, starting all 34 games while averaging 11.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and shooting 54.1 percent from the field. He was also named to the College Basketball Crown All-Tournament Team after helping lead the Mountaineers to the tournament championship.
The Mountaineers also stand to benefit on the football field. Defensive back Jordan Scruggs is now eligible to return after putting together a strong 2025 season. Scruggs finished with 33 total tackles, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception that he returned 80 yards for a touchdown, providing one of West Virginia’s biggest defensive highlights of the year.
Defensive lineman Eddie Kelly Jr. also becomes eligible for another season, giving Rich Rodriguez another experienced body in the trenches. Kelly played an important rotational role along the defensive front and would provide valuable veteran depth for a defense looking to take a step forward in 2026.
While the NCAA could still appeal the ruling, Friday’s decision instantly reshapes roster construction across college athletics. For West Virginia, it opens the door to bringing back four experienced contributors who many believed had already played their final games in the Old Gold and Blue. If the injunction ultimately stands, both Ross Hodge and Rich Rodriguez could receive a significant boost just weeks before their respective seasons begin.
