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Rahsul Faison isn’t just fighting for his final year on the field—he’s fighting to shake the foundation of NCAA football. And if he wins, he might change how eligibility and NIL power coexist in college athletics forever.
Once a promising Class of 2019 prospect, Faison’s path has been anything but straightforward. After grayshirting at Marshall, sitting out 2020 and 2021, and grinding through junior college before shining at Utah State, he exploded for over 1,100 rushing yards in 2024. That breakout season earned him a 4-star transfer rating and a spot in South Carolina’s backfield.
Now, he might not be allowed to play at all.
Despite playing just three seasons beyond high school—only one at the JUCO level—Faison’s eligibility for 2025 remains in limbo. The NCAA has yet to rule, drawing sharp criticism from Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer: “We’re frustrated. We’ve seen similar cases get cleared. We’re just asking for fairness.”
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer in November.© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
To fight back, Faison has enlisted NIL attorney Darren Heitner, a national authority on athlete representation. Heitner, who recently won a similar battle for South Carolina basketball’s Myles Stute, confirmed Faison’s waiver request and promised urgency: “I will be urging the NCAA to prioritize providing a decision.”
Heitner’s involvement signals this case is bigger than one player—it’s about establishing legal clarity in the NIL era. Precedents like Diego Pavia (New Mexico State) and Jett Elad (Rutgers) have shown courts are willing to challenge outdated NCAA limitations. Both were granted extra seasons through legal pressure.
If Faison’s waiver is denied, litigation is almost certain. If he wins, he not only suits up for South Carolina—he opens the door for others like him.
This isn’t just about eligibility. It’s about athlete empowerment. About equity. About the future of NIL in college football.
Continue reading...
Once a promising Class of 2019 prospect, Faison’s path has been anything but straightforward. After grayshirting at Marshall, sitting out 2020 and 2021, and grinding through junior college before shining at Utah State, he exploded for over 1,100 rushing yards in 2024. That breakout season earned him a 4-star transfer rating and a spot in South Carolina’s backfield.
Now, he might not be allowed to play at all.
Despite playing just three seasons beyond high school—only one at the JUCO level—Faison’s eligibility for 2025 remains in limbo. The NCAA has yet to rule, drawing sharp criticism from Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer: “We’re frustrated. We’ve seen similar cases get cleared. We’re just asking for fairness.”
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South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer in November.© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
To fight back, Faison has enlisted NIL attorney Darren Heitner, a national authority on athlete representation. Heitner, who recently won a similar battle for South Carolina basketball’s Myles Stute, confirmed Faison’s waiver request and promised urgency: “I will be urging the NCAA to prioritize providing a decision.”
Heitner’s involvement signals this case is bigger than one player—it’s about establishing legal clarity in the NIL era. Precedents like Diego Pavia (New Mexico State) and Jett Elad (Rutgers) have shown courts are willing to challenge outdated NCAA limitations. Both were granted extra seasons through legal pressure.
If Faison’s waiver is denied, litigation is almost certain. If he wins, he not only suits up for South Carolina—he opens the door for others like him.
This isn’t just about eligibility. It’s about athlete empowerment. About equity. About the future of NIL in college football.
Related: Miami catches attention with shocking $2M NIL offer for high school recruit
Related: ESPN eyes massive deal to secure ninth SEC game rights
Related: ESPN eyes massive deal to secure ninth SEC game rights
Continue reading...
