HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Twelve players in various Marshall University sports are suing the NCAA over its new eligibility rule.
The student athletes are seeking an injunction in Cabell County Circuit Court over the new five years to play five seasons rule approved last month.
The lawsuit was first reported by the West Virginia Record.
The players say the new rule cuts them off because they graduated high school in 2022 and played four seasons and are now being denied a fifth season.
The lawsuit alleges the rule violated West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act and the covenant of fair dealing.
The players want to play again in the 2026–27 sports year.
The players include Meredith Maier, Peyton Ilderton, Dewain “Boogie” Trotter, Bryce Blevins, Cam Harthan, Bailey Fisher, Johanna Strom, Blessing King, Paige Simpson, Ryan Holmes, Momo Diop and Hannah Wyler.
The student athletes are represented by Beckley attorney Steve New.
Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states. The NCAA has said making another change would create chaos.