Florida State basketball coach Luke Loucks did not hide his frustration when discussing Alex Steen’s ongoing fight for another season of college eligibility. “It is frustrating to say the least,” Loucks said while spending several minutes addressing Steen’s situation following Florida State’s first fall practice.
Steen is seeking a fifth season of eligibility for 2026-27 after playing four consecutive college seasons without a redshirt. Leon County Circuit Court Judge David M. Frank denied his request for temporary and preliminary injunctive relief on Sept. 11, although the ruling did not resolve the underlying lawsuit. Steen’s legal team is expected to appeal.
Part of Loucks’ frustration stems from what he views as inconsistent outcomes for athletes
in similar situations across college sports.
“I don’t know if all those kids get denied, but I do know…half of our schedule has someone like Alex Steen on their roster or fighting to get on their roster, and at minimum, a handful of them are already approved,” Loucks said.
Loucks specifically referenced programs Florida State will face this season, including Miami, Florida, Houston, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Louisville, while describing how widespread similar eligibility cases have become. He also pointed to college football players who have received court relief allowing them to continue their careers.
Another point of contention involved the court’s concern that allowing Steen another season could displace another player or affect revenue-sharing opportunities. Loucks pushed back on that idea, saying Florida State’s current revenue-sharing allocations had already been distributed before the NCAA’s new eligibility framework became clear and that Steen would not be taking money away from another player.
Steen remains enrolled at Florida State and is permitted to practice while the legal process continues. Loucks said the initial ruling was difficult for the 6-foot-9 forward, who considered whether continuing with an appeal was worth it before deciding to keep pursuing the case.
“I want you to play for me,” Loucks recalled telling Steen. “But this is your choice, your life.”
Steen started 29 games for Florida State last season, averaging 6.8 points and 5.8 rebounds after spending his first three collegiate seasons at Division II Florida Southern.
Florida State opens the 2026-27 regular season against Florida A&M on Nov. 2 in Tampa, leaving Steen and the Seminoles with the appeals process looming as the season approaches.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU head coach voices frustration over ongoing eligibility battle
