A group of former college basketball players, including three who starred for North Carolina State, have filed a lawsuit in state court seeking to compel the NCAA to grant them an additional year of eligibility. The complaint names more than 50 athletes from across the country, highlighting the growing push to extend playing time beyond the standard four‑year limit.
The NCAA’s recent eligibility amendment permits athletes to compete for up to five seasons, yet those who exhausted their eligibility during the 2025‑26 academic year are excluded from the new provision. Plaintiffs argue that the rule should be applied retroactively, allowing them to join teams and compete in the upcoming season.
The lawsuit follows a similar legal battle in Ohio, where a judge recently granted a preliminary injunction benefiting 24 men’s and women’s basketball players. In addition to the NC State alumni, plaintiffs also hail from other North Carolina institutions such as Wake Forest, UNC‑Wilmington, North Carolina A&T, Charlotte, Elon and Appalachian State.
Among the named plaintiffs are Darrion Williams, who earned preseason ACC Player of the Year honors at NC State after stints at Nevada and Texas Tech, Tre Holloman, a transfer from Michigan State now in his fourth season with the Wolfpack, and Ven‑Allen Lubin, who has navigated multiple programs before landing at NC State.
Legal Challenge and Its Implications
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips has defended the new policy, stating that it creates a sustainable model that aligns with the traditional educational timeline after high school. He emphasized that the conference remains committed to the rule despite the ongoing litigation.
The NCAA’s Division I board has indicated it does not plan to change the eligibility rule, even as the lawsuits progress. A successful outcome could unlock a fifth season of competition for dozens of athletes, potentially boosting their visibility and earnings as they pursue professional opportunities.