Legal Relief for 2022 Athletes
A U.S. District Court judge in Colorado has issued a preliminary injunction that grants every athlete who was part of the Class of 2022 an additional year of eligibility.
The decision is temporary, but it opens a narrow window for players who have already used up their initial four years of college competition to return for a fifth season, a move that could affect scholarship allocations and roster planning across the NCAA.
BYU’s Frontcourt Quandary
BYU entered the offseason with a glaring need for a reliable starting center, a vacancy that has persisted since the 2026 campaign ended and left the Cougars thin at the position.
Among the players who could take advantage of the new eligibility rule is former BYU big man Keba Keita, who now stands to reclaim a fifth year of competition and potentially rejoin the program.
Another name on the radar is Jaxon Kohler, a Michigan State alumnus who averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds last season and shot 38.9 percent from three‑point range; his skill set as a stretch big has caught the eye of BYU coach Kevin Young.
Coach Young has publicly expressed interest in adding a player of Kohler’s caliber, suggesting that the team may look to blend interior presence with perimeter shooting to offset the limited offensive repertoire of incoming freshman Jakub Urbaniak, who has committed to the Cougars but whose offensive skill set remains a work in progress.
Beyond the basketball implications, BYU’s administration has highlighted its commitment to financial discipline during the center search, a strategy that could pay dividends if a proven fifth‑year transfer becomes available before the season begins.
Looking Ahead
If the injunction survives an NCAA appeal, the Cougars could enter the upcoming season with a more seasoned frontcourt, giving them a better chance to compete in a crowded conference.