In Reply to: UCLA's Trent Perry Poised for Breakout Season After Transformatio posted by mh on July 13, 2026 at 12:19:13
An Ohio judge has granted a preliminary injunction allowing 15–24 college basketball players — including Cincinnati guard MJ Collins and Xavier forward Filip Borovicanin — to compete in the 2026–27 NCAA season despite the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules.
Background on the Ruling
The injunction was issued by Judge Christopher Wagner in Hamilton County, Ohio, in July 2026. It blocks the NCAA from enforcing its new five-year competition window, which began with full-time college enrollment or the academic year after a player’s 19th birthday, whichever comes first Eleven Warriors+1. Under the old system, players could extend eligibility with redshirts or waivers; the new model eliminates those options except for religious missions, pregnancy, or active-duty military service.
The plaintiffs, all from the high school class of 2022 and without redshirts, argue the rule is applied inconsistently and unfairly excludes them from a fifth season On3.com+1. The injunction allows them to enter the transfer portal and play immediately, even though the NCAA’s portal is closed.
Connection to Cincinnati and Xavier
The lawsuit includes athletes tied to both schools. Collins, who played at Utah State last season, is expected to join Cincinnati’s 2026–27 roster1. Borovicanin, Xavier’s forward, is also among the plaintiffs. Five of the 15 athletes in the suit are affiliated with Cincinnati or Xavier.
Judge’s Ties to the Schools
The NCAA has raised concerns that Judge Wagner has undisclosed ties to the institutions involved. Wagner graduated from Xavier and earned his law degree at Cincinnati, and his wife serves as a dean at the University of Cincinnati College of Law On3.com. The NCAA says these connections were not disclosed to the parties and is exploring legal options, including appealing the order.
Next Steps
The preliminary injunction is not a final judgment. The case is set for a Case Management Conference on August 4, 2026, with a trial scheduled afterward. If upheld, the ruling could set a precedent for other athletes in similar situations.
In summary: The injunction temporarily allows Collins, Borovicanin, and others to play in 2026–27, but the NCAA is challenging the decision, citing potential conflicts of interest with the judge’s ties to Cincinnati and Xavier