Four Jackson State University football players have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, arguing that they were wrongfully denied a fifth year of eligibility under the association’s new age‑based eligibility model set to take effect for the 2026‑27 season.
Reid Pulliam, B.J. Washington, Tymon Wells and Kazarius Bowie were integral members of the 2025 Tigers roster. Pulliam led the team with 74 tackles and earned All‑SWAC first‑team honors, while Washington added 50 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. Wells contributed 28 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery, and Bowie, serving as Wells’ backup, recorded 13 tackles and three quarterback hurries in 11 appearances.
A brief eligibility saga
The legal dispute traces back to a U.S. District Court injunction that temporarily restored eligibility for the quartet, allowing them to play for three weeks. That reprieve was short‑lived; on August 21 the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the injunction, stripping the players of their fifth‑year status just days before Jackson State’s season‑opening game against Tennessee State.
Coach T.C. Taylor voiced his disappointment, saying the team was left "back at square one" after the ruling. He praised the young men for their on‑field contributions while acknowledging the abrupt end to their collegiate careers.
What’s next for Jackson State?
The lawsuit underscores a growing tension between student‑athletes and governing bodies over eligibility rules that increasingly hinge on age rather than academic standing. As the Tigers prepare for their matchup with Tennessee State, the case may set a precedent for how future eligibility challenges are handled across college sports.