Colorado judge issues ruling that could throw college rosters into chaos
NCAA’s new ‘5 to play 5’ rule under fire
Olivia Bennett 
The landscape of college athletics is bracing for a turbulent August after a Colorado judge delivered a significant blow to the NCAA’s new eligibility framework. On Friday, a judge issued a blanket ruling that extends an extra year of eligibility to all Class of 2022 athletes whose time had expired this past spring, directly challenging the NCAA’s recently implemented “5 to play 5” policy.
The Conflict Over Eligibility
The NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model, slated to take effect this fall, grants athletes five years to compete over a five-season span. However, the policy notably excluded those who served as fourth-year seniors during the 2025-26 academic year. U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s temporary restraining order effectively grandfathers-in those athletes, allowing them to return to the college ranks—and potentially enter the transfer portal to seek new opportunities.
Implications for Roster Management
This ruling brings immediate uncertainty to football programs across the country as they head into preseason camp next week. With high-profile players like Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson and Missouri defensive lineman Sterling Webb already having secured individual restraining orders, this latest blanket ruling bolsters the position of athletes challenging the NCAA. As the situation evolves, players currently in NFL camps could also pivot back to the college game if they fail to secure spots on 53-man rosters.
NCAA Seeks Legislative Intervention
The NCAA is expected to appeal the ruling, likely prolonging the legal battle. In response to the decision, NCAA president Charlie Baker issued a statement calling for immediate federal action. Baker emphasized the need for Congress to pass the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, stating: “Without targeted intervention from Congress, college sports cannot set nationwide rules everyone can play by and without Congress, failed professionals will continue to use college sports as a fallback option — robbing the next class of young athletes of college scholarships. It is long past time leaders across college sports call for the immediate passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act.”
