The NCAA eligibility rule and its implications
The NCAA's age-based eligibility model, also known as the '5-in-5' rule, allows athletes up to five years to play five seasons of college sports. This applies from the time a player begins their college education or upon reaching the age of 19, whichever occurs first. Athletes who arrive at college directly from high school typically get five years to play five seasons. However, if they sit out or redshirt, they lose a year of eligibility. For those who enroll in college after their 19th birthday, they begin using up eligibility even before they set foot on campus.
The rule is currently under legal challenge. A group of former student-athletes, including five from Syracuse’s lacrosse team, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA. The lawsuit seeks to extend eligibility for high school graduates from the Class of 2022. Recently, a judge issued a preliminary injunction in their favor, which, if upheld, would allow these athletes to play a fifth season. The NCAA is appealing the decision, but a final ruling is needed fast, as fall sports are only two weeks away.
Speculation on Starling and Kyle returning
If the court's preliminary decision is confirmed, they could return to play a fifth year at the university. Starling initially played one year at Notre Dame before transferring to Syracuse, where he spent three seasons. Kyle had a more complex journey, playing for South Dakota State and UCLA before arriving at Syracuse.
Both athletes are now in a position to consider another season with the Orange. However, they would need to decide whether the benefits of returning outweigh any professional or personal opportunities that may be available to them. The decision would not only affect their careers but also impact the team dynamic and future plans at Syracuse.
Challenges for Syracuse and new head coach
Syracuse is currently led by new head coach Gerry McNamara, who has been building his roster by adding players from the transfer portal. He has not accounted for any returning players in his current plans. If Starling and Kyle were to return for a fifth year, it would complicate the existing roster structure. This situation could affect player morale, particularly among new recruits who came to Syracuse expecting to have a spot on the team and contribute right away.
The court’s decision must come quickly, as the upcoming fall sports season is set to begin in just two weeks. The NCAA is actively working on an appeal to the judge’s ruling, but the clock is ticking. If the injunction is upheld, it could not only affect Starling and Kyle but also open the door for other athletes in similar circumstances. This case is being closely watched for how it could reshape college athletics across the country.
NCAA ruling expands eligibility for 2026 prospects
A recent court ruling at the U.S. District Court of Colorado has made all athletes from the high school class of 2022 eligible for the upcoming NCAA season. "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 ruling states.
As a result, players who appeared to have finished their college careers are reportedly looking to make a return to NCAA basketball, including multiple players who competed in the Las Vegas Summer League. Second-round pick Braden Smith, the NCAA's All-Time assists leader, has elected not to pursue a return to college, the former Purdue star's representation told CBS Sports. Two players who are looking to continue their college careers, though, are Duke Brennan and Keyshawn Hall.
Brennan spent a year at Arizona State, two seasons at Grand Canyon and most recently played for Villanova, where he averaged 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting 65.8% from the field. Brennan went undrafted in the 2026 class but played with the Brooklyn Nets' Summer League team, where he notched a handful of solid performances. According to a report from 247Sports, Brennan will decide between Oklahoma, Mississippi, Oregon, USC, Villanova, Connecticut, UCLA, Georgetown and North Carolina for the 2026-27 season.
Hall is set to make his return to college basketball after playing for UNLV, George Mason, UCF and Auburn. With the Tigers in 2025-26, Hall averaged 19.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.9% from 3-point range. Following his time at Auburn, Hall signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent and competed on the Heat's Summer League team. According to a report from Jon Rothstein, Kentucky, St. John's, Indiana, Kansas, Gonzaga, SMU, LSU, Providence, UCF, Houston and USC have all shown interest in adding Hall for the 2026-27 season.
Another year in college gives both Brennan and Hall another chance to earn a spot in the NBA Draft, especially in a 2027 class that isn't expected to be as talented as the 2026 class.