On Thursday, a Virginia circuit court judge denied Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris’s request for a preliminary injunction that would have allowed him a seventh season of college football eligibility.
The 25-year-old signal-caller, who has played six seasons across Oklahoma, TCU, North Texas, and Virginia, sued the NCAA in February after his waiver and appeal were rejected.
Morris sought to exclude his 2022 season at TCU, citing a season-opening knee injury that affected his mental health. He returned for three games as a backup, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, which his legal team argued formed part of a prescribed mental health treatment plan.
Attorneys claimed the NCAA disregarded submitted documentation. The NCAA countered that Morris failed to demonstrate an incapacitating condition, as he was medically cleared and participated in games. Officials also noted the treatment notes lacked input from a licensed psychologist.
In 2025, Morris threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns, helping Virginia achieve 11 wins and reach the ACC championship game.
The NCAA welcomed the ruling, stating it protects the integrity of collegiate competition amid ongoing eligibility lawsuits.
“The NCAA is pleased by the court’s decision today, which protects the integrity of collegiate competition,” the NCAA said in a statement, via ESPN. “As additional lawsuits challenging common-sense, academically-tied eligibility rules are filed, the NCAA will continue to defend against attempts to rob high school students across the nation of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.
“The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for all college athletes.”
Morris did not participate in the 2026 NFL Combine or Virginia’s pro day but could still declare for the NFL Draft.
Virginia has since added transfer quarterbacks Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein to their roster.
