A Payne County district judge has issued an ex parte order that clears the way for Oklahoma State forward Kashie Natt to resume full participation with the Cowboys immediately, effectively overturning the NCAA's cancellation of his eligibility waivers.
Legal Victory Opens Door for Natt
The legal maneuver, filed by Natt's attorney Darren Heitner, argues that the NCAA failed to conduct an individualized review of Natt's case and breached its contractual obligations, a claim that the governing body disputes.
Natt, a transfer from Sam Houston State, has built a reputation as a defensive stalwart, having earned Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors and led the league in steals, defensive rebounds and double‑doubles during his two‑year stint in Texas.
The court's decision comes as the NCAA's Division‑I Cabinet has recently endorsed a five‑for‑five eligibility model that would grant athletes an additional year of competition if they meet certain academic and performance benchmarks, a policy that could reshape future roster planning.
Heitner emphasized that Natt's five‑year eligibility clock should not expire until August 2027, meaning the forward remains eligible for the 2026‑27 season and can contribute to Oklahoma State's campaign without restriction.
While the injunction does not guarantee a final resolution of the lawsuit, it does allow Natt to rejoin practice and games right away, giving the Cowboys a boost as they prepare for the upcoming season and potential NBA draft considerations.