Court Injunction Opens 2026 Return for 2022 Recruits
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- Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued the preliminary injunction last Friday in Colorado, opening the door for athletes who sued the NCAA over the new age-based eligibility model; it applies only to players at their 2025 school because the transfer portal remains closed to them.
- The NCAA is expected to appeal the ruling, leaving 2022-class eligibility in question; schools are under no obligation to make roster room, and players who signed professional contracts are ineligible—though rookie minicamp participation alone does not disqualify them.
- Cole Hutson would become the most experienced player on Texas's 2026 roster if he returns, with 48 games, 23 career starts, and over 1,800 offensive snaps at right guard and center; coach Steve Sarkisian called him a potential "veteran presence."
- Jayden Fielding could return to Ohio State after scoring 313 career points (fifth-most in school history) and converting 45 of 57 field goals, but the Buckeyes have already rebuilt their kicking room around Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins plus two other kickers.
- Myles Rowser would be Arizona State's most experienced defensive back if he returns, having logged more defensive snaps than any Sun Devil in 2025 and earning third-team All-Big 12 honors with 84 tackles across 12 starts.
- Ethan Sanchez would give Houston a proven kicking option after making 21 field goals in 2025 (second-most in a single season in school history), earning Lou Groza Award semifinalist honors, and delivering three game-winning kicks in the final three minutes or overtime.
Why it matters: Fall camp is already underway at most Power Four programs that built their 2026 rosters months ago, and schools have no obligation to add returning players—meaning the ruling creates an unusual late-summer decision for coaches weighing experience against roster disruption, with the NCAA's expected appeal threatening to reverse eligibility at any moment.
