Federal appeals court keeps Minnesota Gophers guard Cade Tyson out of 2026-27 season
A 10th Circuit panel in Denver vacated an injunction that would have granted the Class of 2022 a fifth year of NCAA eligibility.
By Robert Marshall ·
Cade Tyson, the Minnesota men's basketball team's leading scorer from last season, remains ineligible to play for the 2026-27 campaign following a federal appeals court decision issued Friday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver vacated a preliminary injunction that had previously allowed players in the Class of 2022 to compete for a fifth year of eligibility.
The three-judge panel ruled that the antitrust argument failed to properly define the relative market. This judgment follows oral arguments in October during which the panel appeared to favor the NCAA. The ruling reverses a decision by Judge Charlotte Sweeney, who granted the preliminary injunction in August. The NCAA obtained a stay of that injunction in late August, which immediately rendered the affected players ineligible.
Tyson is currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota and practices with the men's basketball team. The Gophers began their season this week without him. His legal team indicated they are evaluating all options to restore his eligibility. A source on the team texted the Pioneer Press on Friday that they are assessing next steps. The player could potentially file a state court case as early as next week.
Mark Coyle, the Gophers athletics director, previously noted that there are always levers to pull in such legal disputes. Speaking on KFXN-FM 100.3 on Oct. 24, Coyle said, "There’s always levers to pull," and observed that Tyson is part of a federal case that can become part of a state case.
The NCAA's five-for-five eligibility rule allows players five years to play five seasons, but the organization denied inclusion of the Class of 2022 in this new framework. The court's decision creates a fragmented landscape for players nationwide who are seeking similar relief. Many athletes have gained a fifth year through various courts, including several in the Big Ten conference.
Cincinnati guard MJ Collins is among those playing a fifth season, averaging 13.5 points over two games this year. The Minnesota Gophers are scheduled to play at Cincinnati in a nonconference game on Monday. Gophers coach Niko Medved has criticized the NCAA's stance, stating in October that the best decision in a bad circumstance is to let these players play. Medved added that having the fate of a season depend on a friendly judge is embarrassing.
Tyson averaged 19 points per game for the Gophers during the previous season. The team continues its schedule while Tyson practices with his teammates, awaiting the outcome of potential state court proceedings.
