Judge Rules Class of 2022 Can Play Fifth Season, Could Impact WVU Basketball

A new development took place in the world of NCAA eligibility rule changes on Friday that could impact WVU basketball. Judge Charlotte Sweeney off the U.S. District Court of Colorado granted a preliminary injunction giving high school class of 2022 athletes a fifth year of  eligibility, as first reported by Sam Ehrlich on X.

The preliminary injunction comes in light of the NCAA Division I Cabinet passing the “Five-For-Five” rule, which allows four five consecutive years of college eligibility for athletes. However, it was scheduled to start next year, leaving just-graduated seniors without the option for a fifth year.

“All persons in the United States who began to play in collegiate sports in the 2022–2023 season, competed in NCAA Division I sports, and completed four years of eligibility as defined by the NCAA’s prior rules by the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season, and are therefore barred from playing a fifth season due to the NCAA’s adoption and immediate implementation of the Five-Year Eligibility Rule,” the case conclusion stated.

WVU basketball just graduated five players from the high school class of 2022: forward Brenen Lorient, center Harlan Obioha, guard Honor Huff, guard Treysen Eaglestaff and guard Jasper Floyd. With one roster spot remaining for the 2026-27 season, this ruling could potentially result in a return for one of the former Mountaineers.

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