Legal Landscape Shifts for College Players
A recent stay issued by the Tenth Circuit in the case of NCAA v. Wisne has put a hold on federal protections that were meant to safeguard athletes from the 2022 class, and the ripple effect is now being felt across the college basketball landscape. The move comes as courts in Colorado and Ohio prepare to weigh in on the eligibility of players like Cincinnati guard MJ Collins.
In Ohio, the Court of Appeals has set oral arguments for September 22, a date that could decide whether these athletes will be allowed to take the court when the new season begins in November. The timing is critical, because the NCAA’s deadline for class members to respond to an emergency motion is August 14, and the association’s reply brief must be filed by August 17, adding a tight schedule to the proceedings.
A season‑defining prospect
MJ Collins arrived on the Bearcats’ radar as a 2026 All‑Mountain West Second Team performer, but his impact last season was felt immediately. He averaged 17.5 points per game, pulled down 2.5 rebounds, dished out 1.6 assists and shot 48.7% from the field, including 36.1% from beyond the arc, numbers that helped anchor Cincinnati’s attack.
The broader litigation between the NCAA and the players revolves around whether the association will extend eligibility to the entire Class of 2022. A decision is expected before September 22, and the outcome could reshape scholarship rules and the competitive balance in Division I, affecting not only Collins but also teammates such as Austin Massey, Sam Ehrlich and Jerrod Calhoun.