Earlier this month, the NCAA approved what is widely known as the "5-for-5" rule
, which gives Division I college athletes five years of eligibility to compete in five seasons, starting from their initial full-time college enrollment or their 19th birthday, which has already caused plenty of controversy from a competition standpoint, but will also provide several programs, including Texas A&M, a stark advantage.On Friday, it was reported and confirmed that Colorado judge Charlotte Swenney "granted a class-wide preliminary injunction that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted four seasons of eligibility this spring." First reported by Boise State associate professor Sam Ehrlich, Texas A&M football,
basketball, and baseball programs could now return several key players who now have one full season of eligibility remaining.
Unsurprisingly, On3's Pete Nakos reported that college football front offices have already reached out regarding undrafted free agents' ability to potentially return for the 2026 season, as most are currently taking part in NFL training camps this week.
For the Aggies, former starting running back Le'Veon Moss, who retired after going undrafted and signing with the Miami Dolphins, is also dealing with legal issues, but could theoretically return for one more season, coupled with former versatile safety Jared Kerr and tight end Amari Niblack, who both went undrafted back in late April.
On the basketball front, veteran guards Rylan Griffen and Jacari Lane could also return, which is more realistic given the Aggies' open roster spot. AggieYell insider Carter Karels also revealed that five baseball players from last season's roster, Jake Duer, Grant Cunningham, Ethan Darden, Ben Royo and Blake LaBuda, have gained an extra year of eligibility, but it's important to note that Jake Duer signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Thanks to On3, here is the official class certification for Friday's ruling:
“All persons in the United States who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022-2023 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA’s prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, and are therefore barred from playing a fifth season due to the NCAA’s adoption and immediate implementation of the Five-Year Eligibility Rule."
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Several Texas A&M athletes could return following eligibility ruling
