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OXFORD — U.S. District Court of Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney's sweeping decision could lead to some Ole Miss athletes getting an unexpected fifth season of eligibility.
Sweeney granted an injunction July 31 to college athletes who graduated in high school in 2022 and meet certain criteria. The NCAA has appealed the ruling.
"We are monitoring the situation but not making any decisions until we have more information," Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter told the Clarion Ledger Aug. 3. "Obviously very fluid."
The injunction comes after the NCAA changed its eligibility rules to an age-based model in June. That rule, called for "5-for-5 rule" eliminates redshirts and gives all players five seasons of eligibility. It only applied to athletes entering college in the 2026-27 academic year or players currently enrolled.
But don't expect a mass influx of veteran players into college sports. There are a few factors that limit who benefits, as Sweeney clarified on Aug. 2.
Sweeney said her ruling does not override current transfer rules, roster limits or revenue-sharing totals. Players not in the transfer portal can only use their extra eligibility to return to their school.
Players who have signed professional contracts are ineligible as well.
For now, here is which Ole Miss athletes are tentatively eligible.
No Ole Miss football players fit the criteria for a return under the injunction.
Tight end Dae'Quan Wright, wide receiver Trey Wallace, offensive tackle Diego Pounds and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris all would have qualified had they not signed NFL contracts.
Defensive back Wydett Williams is also ineligible. He played two seasons with Delta State and one with ULM before transferring to Ole Miss last season. Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
Linebacker Tyler Banks, who won the Chucky Mullins Award last season, is also ineligible because he accepted a minicamp invitation with the Indianapolis Colts.
Baseball is the sport where Ole Miss could benefit most.
First baseman Will Furniss and third baseman Judd Utermark are both eligible to return. Utermark is the program's all-time leader in home runs. Furniss was an All-SEC second-team pick in 2026 and is a career .290 hitter.
Neither player was drafted, and both were foundational pieces in the Rebels' return to the College World Series in 2026.
Outfielder Daniel Pacella and pitcher Marko Sipila also fit the criteria to return.
Guard AJ Storr is the only Rebel men's basketball player who can return for a fifth season. He got his extra season by being a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit that was granted in Tennessee state court on July 31.
There's an extra benefit for Storr because he obtained his fifth season in state court. He and the other 18 plaintiffs in his case can enter the transfer portal from Aug. 3-10. On3 reported Storr plans to enter the transfer portal.
Forward Malik Dia is the only other Rebels who would have qualified, but he signed an NBA Summer League deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Guard Debreasha Powe (5.6 points per game in 2025-26) and Denim Deshields (4.7 points) are eligible to return.
Star forward Cotie McMahon would have had a chance to return, but is playing for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA.
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Which Ole Miss team could really benefit from Class of 2022 eligibility ruling
Continue reading...
Sweeney granted an injunction July 31 to college athletes who graduated in high school in 2022 and meet certain criteria. The NCAA has appealed the ruling.
"We are monitoring the situation but not making any decisions until we have more information," Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter told the Clarion Ledger Aug. 3. "Obviously very fluid."
The injunction comes after the NCAA changed its eligibility rules to an age-based model in June. That rule, called for "5-for-5 rule" eliminates redshirts and gives all players five seasons of eligibility. It only applied to athletes entering college in the 2026-27 academic year or players currently enrolled.
But don't expect a mass influx of veteran players into college sports. There are a few factors that limit who benefits, as Sweeney clarified on Aug. 2.
Sweeney said her ruling does not override current transfer rules, roster limits or revenue-sharing totals. Players not in the transfer portal can only use their extra eligibility to return to their school.
Players who have signed professional contracts are ineligible as well.
For now, here is which Ole Miss athletes are tentatively eligible.
No Ole Miss football players can return under 2022 ruling
No Ole Miss football players fit the criteria for a return under the injunction.
Tight end Dae'Quan Wright, wide receiver Trey Wallace, offensive tackle Diego Pounds and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris all would have qualified had they not signed NFL contracts.
Defensive back Wydett Williams is also ineligible. He played two seasons with Delta State and one with ULM before transferring to Ole Miss last season. Williams signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
Linebacker Tyler Banks, who won the Chucky Mullins Award last season, is also ineligible because he accepted a minicamp invitation with the Indianapolis Colts.
Ole Miss baseball can bring back stars Judd Utermark, Will Furniss
Baseball is the sport where Ole Miss could benefit most.
First baseman Will Furniss and third baseman Judd Utermark are both eligible to return. Utermark is the program's all-time leader in home runs. Furniss was an All-SEC second-team pick in 2026 and is a career .290 hitter.
Neither player was drafted, and both were foundational pieces in the Rebels' return to the College World Series in 2026.
Outfielder Daniel Pacella and pitcher Marko Sipila also fit the criteria to return.
AJ Storr can return, don't expect an Ole Miss basketball reunion
Guard AJ Storr is the only Rebel men's basketball player who can return for a fifth season. He got his extra season by being a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit that was granted in Tennessee state court on July 31.
There's an extra benefit for Storr because he obtained his fifth season in state court. He and the other 18 plaintiffs in his case can enter the transfer portal from Aug. 3-10. On3 reported Storr plans to enter the transfer portal.
Forward Malik Dia is the only other Rebels who would have qualified, but he signed an NBA Summer League deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Two Ole Miss women's basketball players can return, but not Cotie McMahon
Guard Debreasha Powe (5.6 points per game in 2025-26) and Denim Deshields (4.7 points) are eligible to return.
Star forward Cotie McMahon would have had a chance to return, but is playing for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA.
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Which Ole Miss team could really benefit from Class of 2022 eligibility ruling
Continue reading...
