A preliminary injunction was granted to several Ohio college basketball athletes on July 9th, making Utah State's MJ Collins eligible for the upcoming season. An age-based eligibility lawsuit was filed by the NCAA in Hamilton County, OH, not too long after. College Basketball Broadcaster Paul Fritschner of Rebound Rundown and The Cincy Crown gave an update on the lawsuit filed against the preliminary injunction.
Judge Wagner denied the NCAA's motion to stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal. The players in Ohio remain eligible, but with the pending appeal, it is uncertain if they will play. Bearcat Bunch on X gave some additional notes on the situation, saying, "This process has been expedited so should get a final word sooner rather than later." With a ruling on the matter coming in the near future, the Bearcats' season looked a lot less optimistic two weeks ago, but now with MJ Collins on the roster, fans are starting to become excited for the start of the season.
This preliminary injunction does not just affect Collins and Cincinnati, but also other programs like Xavier, Dayton, and several athletes who are yet to commit to a school this upcoming season. Other players and Universities are trying to get around this "5-in-5" rule. Minnesota, Arizona State, Boston College, Penn State, and South Florida are all trying to fight to get a player another year of eligibility.
All the Bearcats can do now is wait and hope that it goes their way. It would be a hard loss if Collins is somehow named ineligible.
NEWS: An update in the age-based eligibility lawsuit in Hamilton County, OH
— Paul Fritschner (@PaulFritschner) July 17, 2026
Judge Wagner has denied the NCAA's motion to stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal.
The players in Ohio remain eligible, pending the NCAA's appeal. pic.twitter.com/AuUzQiwXT8
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