Just when we thought that the college sports landscape couldn’t get any wilder, on Friday a Colorado judge issued an injunction which would allow for athletes from the 2022 recruiting class, who were excluded from the new eligibility rule, a fifth-year of eligibility.
After a lot of transfer portal discussion, we got an update on Sunday that this injunction is only for eligibility, so it would appear athletes would have to return to their last school in order to play in 26-27.
The NCAA quickly filed an appeal, but it doesn’t seem likely they will win, or even care to win right now. Of course, this could change depending on the status of the Protect College Sports Act in Congress this week. So what does it mean for Syracuse?
First, let’s clarify that the injunction would only apply to athletes who entered college in 2022 and did not redshirt. Second, schools must have roster space to welcome the athletes back (no we don’t know about revenue-sharing/NIL). Of note as we look at the Syracuse angle here is this in regards to potential men’s lacrosse returners.
(Update- apparently the injunction won’t help athletes who signed professional contracts, but who knows if that’s enforcable. Who knows if anything is enforcable?)
So we know about men’s lacrosse, what about other sports? Looking at last year’s football roster, only three players would fit this criteria: Devin Grant (in camp with the Chargers), Kevin Jobity, Jr. (in camp with the Steelers) and Denis Jaquez, Jr. (coaching at South Alabama). Based on the transfer portal additions at defensive end, I don’t see a reunion forthcoming with Jobity or Jaquez, but what happens should Grant get cut? Do you think the Syracuse staff wouldn’t jump to bring back an experienced safety, especially if there is a spot available?
When it comes to basketball, the men’s roster is at the maximum of 15, but designated student-athlete Noah Lobdell’s spot is protected as he was a walk-on in 24-25. In theory, the Orange could try and bring back JJ Starling or William Kyle, but it would seem unlikely that a new staff wants to mix up the chemistry formed this summer.
On the women’s side, this ruling doesn’t impact Dominique Darius’ petition, but the Orange have room to have Darius return and add another player. Journey Thompson and Oyindamola Akinbolawa would fit the criteria and either would bring more size around Uche Izoje.
The men’s lacrosse situation will be complicated by the fact that the Orange players are on professional contracts now, so it’s not fair to assume all, or any, will be back in the Dome. However, the Syracuse situation in 2027 would sure feel different if Spallina, Dwan, Rhoa, Leo, and Thomson are taking the field again.
As for other sports, most fall sports are already on campus, so it doesn’t seem as though we’d see an athlete come back while the appeal is settled. Definitely keep an eye on the lacrosse teams getting potential boosts to their teams (can we get another season of Coco Vandiver’s defense?) that no one anticipated.
**************************************************************************************************
Are there other Syracuse athletes you’d like to see back under this ruling?
