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Tristan Smith’s long battle for another season of college football has ended in his favor.
On Friday, Pickens County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Salvini granted the Clemson wide receiver a temporary injunction against the NCAA, ordering the organization to immediately declare him eligible for the 2026 season.
“Big win for our client, Tristan Smith,” one of Smith’s attorneys posted on social media. “A South Carolina court just granted a temporary injunction against the NCAA, restoring his eligibility to compete for Clemson this fall. The NCAA’s arbitrary application of its Five-Year Rule didn’t hold up. Justice for Tristan!”
Smith filed his lawsuit after the NCAA denied his request for an additional year of eligibility. The Tigers receiver argued the NCAA unfairly counted the two seasons he spent at Hutchinson Community College against its Five-Year Rule while granting waivers to other players in similar situations.
In her ruling, Salvini pointed specifically to former Oregon receiver Malik Benson, writing that his circumstances were “nearly identical” to Smith’s. Both players attended Hutchinson Community College and had two junior-college seasons count against their eligibility, but Benson was granted a waiver while Smith was denied.
The judge determined Smith would suffer irreparable harm if he were prevented from playing this season, citing lost development opportunities, potential NIL earnings, and impacts on his professional future. The order also prevents the NCAA from penalizing Smith or Clemson while the case remains pending.
Smith began his career at the junior-college level before transferring to Southeast Missouri State and later Clemson. During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 13 games for the Tigers, recording 24 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown.
Contact us@Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page onFacebook for ongoing coverage ofClemson Tigersnews and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson wide receiver scores significant win in closely watched case
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On Friday, Pickens County Circuit Court Judge Jessica Salvini granted the Clemson wide receiver a temporary injunction against the NCAA, ordering the organization to immediately declare him eligible for the 2026 season.
“Big win for our client, Tristan Smith,” one of Smith’s attorneys posted on social media. “A South Carolina court just granted a temporary injunction against the NCAA, restoring his eligibility to compete for Clemson this fall. The NCAA’s arbitrary application of its Five-Year Rule didn’t hold up. Justice for Tristan!”
Smith filed his lawsuit after the NCAA denied his request for an additional year of eligibility. The Tigers receiver argued the NCAA unfairly counted the two seasons he spent at Hutchinson Community College against its Five-Year Rule while granting waivers to other players in similar situations.
In her ruling, Salvini pointed specifically to former Oregon receiver Malik Benson, writing that his circumstances were “nearly identical” to Smith’s. Both players attended Hutchinson Community College and had two junior-college seasons count against their eligibility, but Benson was granted a waiver while Smith was denied.
The judge determined Smith would suffer irreparable harm if he were prevented from playing this season, citing lost development opportunities, potential NIL earnings, and impacts on his professional future. The order also prevents the NCAA from penalizing Smith or Clemson while the case remains pending.
Smith began his career at the junior-college level before transferring to Southeast Missouri State and later Clemson. During the 2025 season, he appeared in all 13 games for the Tigers, recording 24 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown.
Contact us@Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page onFacebook for ongoing coverage ofClemson Tigersnews and notes, plus opinions.
This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson wide receiver scores significant win in closely watched case
Continue reading...
