A Legal Lifeline for Fifth‑Year Athletes
The NCAA has intervened to pause a Colorado court ruling that would have granted the 2022 class a fifth year of athletic eligibility. The stay preserves the possibility for student‑athletes like Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan to extend their collegiate careers, pending further judicial review.
Both players filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, seeking a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order that would restore their eligibility for the 2026‑27 season. Their complaint hinges on the argument that the NCAA’s previous policies were misapplied and that the West Virginia courts have historically favored similar claims.
If the injunction is granted, Lorient and Buchanan would be eligible to suit up for West Virginia University (WVU) in the 2026‑27 campaign, effectively completing a true fifth year of eligibility. Their return would add veteran experience and depth to a Mountaineers squad that has been reshaping its rotation after recent departures.
Without Lorient, WVU might be forced to adjust its lineups, potentially inserting Seydou Traore at the three‑position as a stop‑gap solution. The coaching staff has indicated that Traore’s skill set could fill the gap, but his performance would not match the versatility that Lorient brings at the four spot.
The precedent in West Virginia courts provides a boost of confidence for the plaintiffs. Historically, state judges have shown a willingness to side with student‑athletes in eligibility disputes, a pattern that could influence the outcome of this case and reinforce the narrative that the Mountaineers are poised for a strong showing in the Big 12 Conference.
Should the legal battle conclude in their favor, WVU’s roster would gain two seasoned contributors whose leadership could translate into improved chemistry and on‑court performance. Analysts suggest that this added experience might be the catalyst needed for the team to break into the top five of the conference standings.