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Recent developments in a legal challenge against the NCAA could potentially pave the way for two former Syracuse University basketball standouts to rejoin the squad for another campaign. While no concrete reports have emerged, the possibility exists for JJ Starling and William Kyle III to return to the hardwood this season, though this remains purely speculative at this time.
The crux of the matter lies in the 'age-based eligibility model,' commonly referred to as the '5-in-5' rule. This regulation grants athletes five years to compete in five seasons, starting either from their college enrollment or their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. For a typical American student-athlete progressing from high school to college, this translates to five years of eligibility. However, if a player sits out, suffers an injury, or takes a redshirt year, they do not receive an additional year; they simply have four more seasons remaining.
Interestingly, athletes who enroll in college after turning 19, as many Division I hockey players do, begin using their eligibility before stepping onto campus. The current buzz stems from a recent ruling that grants an extra year of eligibility to athletes returning to campus this season. For instance, a student who enrolled last fall and competed as a freshman would still have four years of eligibility left.
Yet, those who graduated in 2026 from the high school Class of 2022 did not receive this exemption. They completed four seasons in four years and moved on. Now, a group of recently graduated seniors, including five Syracuse lacrosse players, have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking a fifth year of eligibility. A judge has issued a preliminary injunction in their favor, making all Class of 2022 athletes eligible for a fifth year in the upcoming academic year. The NCAA is appealing, and a swift resolution is imperative as fall sports kick off in just two weeks.
Key Analysis
If this injunction stands, Starling and Kyle could potentially return to Syracuse for a fifth year, having played four seasons in four years. Starling spent three years at Syracuse after one at Notre Dame, while Kyle played just one season at SU following stints at South Dakota State and UCLA. However, several questions loom: Do they even want to return? Do they have professional opportunities, either in basketball or elsewhere, that might be more appealing than a fifth year at Syracuse? Additionally, does Syracuse have roster space? New head coach Gerry McNamara has actively filled his roster via the transfer portal, and no plans have been made for returning players. The potential return of these alums could disrupt the expectations of incoming transfers, who may have chosen Syracuse with the promise of playing time. These considerations affect programs across the nation, making this a pivotal moment for college athletics.
Originally reported by yahoo.