Jalen Washington had been on track to playing a fifth season in college for Tennessee basketball, but the Court of Appeals of Tennessee issued an order staying the temporary injunction that would have awarded him an extra year of eligibility on Aug. 26, making him ineligible for now.
"After considering all the relevant factors and, in particular, the NCAA's likelihood of success on the merits based on the legal issues presented, we conclude the trial court's August 19, 2026 order denying a stay pending appeal constitutes an abuse of discretion," the order from the Court of Appeals states.
Washington was a key addition for the Vols, who boast a talented backcourt but thin frontcourt. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound center transferred to Vanderbilt for the 2025-26 season and averaged career-highs in points (8.9), rebounds (5.6) and blocks (1.3) per game while shooting 61.8% from 2-point range. He would be the Vols' best post player if he's eligible.
A federal court in Tennessee ruled on July 31 that Washington and 16 other college basketball players, who are currently suing the NCAA over new eligibility rules, would suffer "immediate and irreparable harm" if they were not allowed a fifth year of eligibility. That opened the door for Washington to join UT's roster on Aug. 3.
The NCAA's chief legal officer, Scott Bearby issued a statement about the new ruling in Washington's lawsuit on Aug. 26.
#order #eligibility #season
"After considering all the relevant factors and, in particular, the NCAA's likelihood of success on the merits based on the legal issues presented, we conclude the trial court's August 19, 2026 order denying a stay pending appeal constitutes an abuse of discretion," the order from the Court of Appeals states.
Washington was a key addition for the Vols, who boast a talented backcourt but thin frontcourt. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound center transferred to Vanderbilt for the 2025-26 season and averaged career-highs in points (8.9), rebounds (5.6) and blocks (1.3) per game while shooting 61.8% from 2-point range. He would be the Vols' best post player if he's eligible.
A federal court in Tennessee ruled on July 31 that Washington and 16 other college basketball players, who are currently suing the NCAA over new eligibility rules, would suffer "immediate and irreparable harm" if they were not allowed a fifth year of eligibility. That opened the door for Washington to join UT's roster on Aug. 3.
The NCAA's chief legal officer, Scott Bearby issued a statement about the new ruling in Washington's lawsuit on Aug. 26.
#order #eligibility #season
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