A Louisiana judge has issued a temporary restraining order that clears the path for players from the 2022 recruiting class to seek a fifth year of eligibility in college football. The decision, while limited in scope, has immediate implications for athletes who had planned to move on from the sport after their fourth season.
Fifth‑Year Eligibility Opens Up
The ruling challenges the NCAA’s long‑standing amateurism framework and raises questions about how the organization will respond to a growing push for extended playing careers. Legal experts suggest the decision could set a precedent for future eligibility disputes.
Among those eyeing the extra season is former Denver Broncos cornerback Paul Manning, who was released by the franchise after a brief stint that included a tryout with the New York Jets. Manning, an undrafted free agent out of Henderson State, signed with the Broncos before being cut to make room for Sean Fresch.
His agent confirmed that Manning intends to return to college football for a fifth season, citing the legal ruling as a key factor in his decision. The move highlights how individual legal victories can intersect with broader institutional negotiations over player eligibility.
The NCAA is expected to appeal the Louisiana decision, a step that could delay or modify the order’s impact. Meanwhile, the development signals a shifting landscape where courts and collegiate institutions are increasingly entangled in the conversation about athlete compensation and eligibility standards.