Cole Hutson, a former Texas offensive lineman, has been granted a temporary restraining order that lifts the NCAA’s block on his immediate return to college football. The order, issued by a Texas court, lets him resume practice and games while a judge schedules a hearing on a preliminary injunction.
A Legal Precedent in College Sports
Hutson’s lawsuit seeks a fifth year of eligibility for the 2026‑27 season, a request that would let him re‑enter the Longhorns program after a career that included 48 appearances and 23 starts. He played primarily at guard and center, earned a spot as a Cowboys rookie minicamp invite after going undrafted, and was part of a Texas offensive line that was a Joe Moore Award semifinalist.
The ruling comes on the heels of a similar preliminary injunction granted by an Ohio court to 24 men’s and women’s basketball players who are also challenging the NCAA’s five‑year eligibility model. That decision has spurred a series of lawsuits across the country, with Hutson’s case now the latest to emerge in Texas.
While the exact destination for Hutson’s 2026 season remains undecided, a return to Texas is widely anticipated. The temporary restraining order clears the way for him to rejoin the program, giving him a runway to showcase his abilities before any final eligibility decision is made.
Legal analysts say the case could set a broader precedent for athletes seeking extended eligibility in an era when the NCAA is confronting changing compensation rules and increasing athlete advocacy. The outcome may influence how the organization handles eligibility disputes moving forward.