JUCOadvocate - Brandon Goble

CLASS OF 2022 ELIGIBILITY WATCH. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026, MORNING UPDATE Two material court developments moved across state dockets, locking in preliminary injunction protection for twenty-four athletes in Ohio while a Texas court halted an emergency bid by stayed players to regain eligibility. OHIO. SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION PROTECTION FOR 24 ATHLETES In the Supreme Court of Ohio in Franklin County, Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and the court issued an order on October 29, 2026, confirming that the preliminary injunction in Borovicanin v. NCAA remains in full effect while the appeal proceeds. The entry resolves weeks of uncertainty following the October 14 procedural stay, establishing that the underlying relief issued by the trial court protects the roster status of the named athletes. On the national scoreboard, we move these 24 plaintiffs from disputed status back into active protection. These are existing plaintiffs on the docket. Xavier forward Filip Borovicanin, Gonzaga guard Javon Bennett, Cincinnati guard MJ Collins, and Auburn guard Kolby King retain verified clearance to play as season openers arrive next week. Programs relying on these athletes now have solid judicial coverage against NCAA enforcement actions during early non-conference schedules. TEXAS. DISTRICT JUDGE RYAN LUNA DENIES EMERGENCY RELIEF TO RE-FILING ATHLETES In the 414th Judicial District Court of Texas in McLennan County, District Judge Ryan Luna issued an oral ruling on October 29, 2026, denying emergency temporary restraining order protection to athletes attempting to join the Wheeler litigation after prior setbacks in Georgia and Tennessee. The court rejected the attempt by sixteen athletes to re-file in Texas after previously facing stays in Georgia, signaling that state courts will not permit plaintiffs to circumvent adverse appellate rulings by jumping venues. While Judge Luna's bench ruling remains subject to supplemental briefing before a signed written decree is entered, the original Wheeler plaintiffs retain their active injunction. Arizona forward RJ Godfrey, Gonzaga forward Chauncey Wiggins, and Boise State guard Lamar Washington remain sidelined without emergency clearance. Coaching staffs for Arizona, Gonzaga, and Boise State cannot dress these newcomers for November tip-offs under the Wheeler umbrella unless counsel persuades the court on supplemental briefing. A signed written order from Judge Luna in Texas following supplemental briefing is the single next event to watch.