FOUR MOUNTAINEER PLAYERS CAN NOW SUIT UP FOR THE 2025 SEASON. ALL OF THEM ATTENDED JUNIOR COLLEGES THAT WEREN’T MEMBERS OF ANY N-C-A-A DIVISIONS. THEY FILED A LAWSUIT SAYING THOSE YEARS SHOULDN’T HAVE COUNTED AGAINST THE FIVE-YEAR LIMIT.

FOUR MOUNTAINEER PLAYERS CAN NOW SUIT UP FOR THE 2025 SEASON. ALL OF THEM ATTENDED JUNIOR COLLEGES THAT WEREN’T MEMBERS OF ANY N-C-A-A DIVISIONS. THEY FILED A LAWSUIT SAYING THOSE YEARS SHOULDN’T HAVE COUNTED AGAINST THE FIVE-YEAR LIMIT.

 

 

Morgantown, W.Va. — In a landmark decision that could have broader implications across college athletics, four West Virginia University football players have been granted eligibility for the 2025 season after successfully challenging NCAA rules regarding the five-year participation limit.

The athletes—whose names have not been disclosed—filed a lawsuit earlier this year after the NCAA initially ruled that their time spent at non-affiliated junior colleges would count toward their five-year eligibility clock. The players argued that because the junior colleges they attended were not affiliated with any NCAA division, those years should not be considered part of the eligibility window.

On Thursday, a federal judge agreed, ruling that the NCAA had misapplied its own guidelines in penalizing the players for time spent at institutions not governed by its policies. The judge’s decision effectively reinstates the athletes’ eligibility, allowing them to suit up for the 2025 season under head coach Neal Brown.

“This is a significant victory not just for our student-athletes, but for fairness in collegiate sports,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker in a press statement. “These young men have worked tirelessly both on and off the field, and we’re thrilled they will get the opportunity they rightfully deserve.”

Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are typically allowed five years to complete four seasons of competition. However, that clock starts when an athlete first enrolls as a full-time student at any collegiate institution. The complication in this case arose because the players had enrolled at junior colleges that were not part of the NCAA, nor governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

“The NCAA’s decision to include those years toward the eligibility clock lacked any rational basis,” said the players’ attorney, Michelle Hernandez. “Our clients were not receiving any competitive advantage—they weren’t competing at the NCAA level, nor even at an affiliated junior college level. We’re pleased the court recognized this.”

The ruling sets a potential precedent that could impact how eligibility is determined for student-athletes transferring from non-affiliated programs. Legal experts suggest it may prompt the NCAA to revisit how it defines collegiate participation for the purposes of eligibility.

Coach Neal Brown expressed relief and optimism, calling the ruling “a shot in the arm” for the program as it prepares for the upcoming season.

“These guys are key contributors and leaders in our locker room,” Brown said. “Having them back in uniform not only improves our depth, but it also reaffirms to the team that persistence and doing things the right way pay off.”

The Mountaineers are coming off a rebuilding year and will open the 2025 season with renewed momentum, bolstered by the return of these four players.

While the NCAA has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision, Thursday’s ruling was immediately enforced, meaning the players can begin practicing with the team effective immediately.

For now, West Virginia fans can celebrate a legal win that translates into a stronger roster—and perhaps, a stronger season ahead.