Every class of 2022 athlete is now being granted a fifth playing season, sending shockwaves across the college sports landscape.
On Friday, Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring
That means every college athlete who had expiring eligibility could have one more season if they choose to utilize it. One example is Florida guard Denzel Aberdeen, who played out what would have been his final year of college with the Kentucky Wildcats last season. He was suing to become eligible for one more season, so he’s now set to play for a Florida team that already looked like the preseason favorite to win it all next year.
But that’s just one of countless examples of athletes who could have their college careers revived thanks to this ruling. And everyone seeking out a fifth season will be allowed to enter the transfer portal, which means Mark Pope and Kentucky Basketball just got a lot more options to fill that 15th and final roster spot.
Now, one lingering question is how does this apply to players who’ve already signed professional deals? Some former Cats who could gain a fifth season include basketball guard Otega Oweh and volleyball outside hitter Eva Hudson. However, both of them have signed pro contracts. Oweh recently signed a two-way deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Hudson signed with LOVB (League One Volleyball) Atlanta back in December.
August Madness is arriving, folks. Buckle up.
