WVU Athletes Secure Injunction Against NCAA Policy
MORGANTOWN — Four West Virginia University athletes were granted permission to play an additional season of competition following a federal court ruling on Wednesday morning. United States District Court Judge John Preston Bailey issued a preliminary injunction against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), allowing men’s basketball forwards Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan, football defensive back Jason Chambers, and baseball pitcher Ben McDougal to compete without NCAA eligibility violations.
The athletes are now eligible to compete for roster positions during the 2026-27 academic year. The court order also enjoins the NCAA from enforcing its Rule of Restitution against these four individuals. The news was first reported by Keenan Cummings of On3.
Legal Challenge to NCAA’s 5-for-5 Rule
The legal victory addresses a dispute over an NCAA rule passed in June, known as the "5-for-5" ruling. This regulation did not grant an extra year of eligibility to athletes who competed in 2022. The four WVU athletes, along with numerous other college athletes across the country, challenged this policy through temporary restraining orders and injunctions.
In his decision, Judge Bailey cited a previous court ruling from Indiana that allowed 100 players to play an extra season. He described the current eligibility system as a "mess" to justify the preliminary injunction. Bailey noted that the urgency of the matter was heightened because the athletic seasons for these sports had already begun.
Impact on Football and Basketball Rosters
The ruling has immediate implications for WVU’s football and basketball programs. Jason Chambers, a defensive back who transferred from Appalachian State, appeared in all 12 games last season. During that time, he recorded 34 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception.
WVU football head coach Rich Rodriguez stated that Chambers has been practicing with the team since the ruling and could be available to play as early as the upcoming weekend matchup against Iowa State.
In men’s basketball, Brenen Lorient transferred from North Texas to WVU under head coach Ross Hodge. During the 2025-26 season, Lorient played in 34 games, averaging 11.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He also blocked a team-high 45 shots and was named to the College Basketball Crown All-Tournament Team.
Javan Buchanan, who transferred after spending two seasons at Boise State and two years at the NAIA level, argued that his NAIA tenure should not count against his Division I eligibility. Last season at Boise State, Buchanan averaged 12.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Baseball Pitcher Adds to Mountaineer Depth
The injunction also benefits WVU’s baseball program, specifically pitcher Ben McDougal. A native of Bridgeport, West Virginia, McDougal made 13 appearances in his second year for the Mountaineers. He posted a 3.14 earned run average and recorded 13 strikeouts across 14.1 innings pitched.
McDougal’s performance included a notable win in a five-inning relief appearance against Kentucky during the Morgantown Regional Final. In that contest, he struck out six batters while allowing two runs, providing critical support for the team’s postseason run.