Cole Hutson, a former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an additional year of eligibility.
Eligibility rule under scrutiny
The complaint challenges the governing body’s five‑year eligibility model introduced for athletes entering in the 2023 class, arguing that the rule curtails his ability to play, develop his skills, earn scholarship money and profit from his name, image and likeness.
Collin County attorney David Obard, who is representing Hutson, filed a motion for emergency injunctive relief, asking a court to halt the NCAA’s enforcement of the rule while the case proceeds.
Hutson, a consensus four‑star recruit from Frisco who signed with Texas in 2022, has logged 48 appearances with 23 starts over four seasons, including a stint as a starter at left guard late in the 2025 campaign.
Battle for the starting role
If the injunction is granted, he would compete for the open starting left‑guard position, a role that coaches have identified as contested between Andre Cojoe and Western Kentucky transfer Laurence Seymore.
The lawsuit joins a growing list of former Texas athletes, including basketball players Jordan Pope and Chendall Weaver, who are also pursuing a fifth year of eligibility.
Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent for how collegiate eligibility rules interact with name, image and likeness rights, potentially reshaping the landscape of college sports.
The NCAA, which operates from its headquarters in Indianapolis, has yet to comment on the litigation.