University of Rhode Island football players challenge NCAA over fifth year eligibility

University of Rhode Island football players AJ Peña and Justin Carcel have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Washington County Superior Court. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order to grant them a fifth year of eligibility for the 2026 season. Both athletes were excluded from the NCAA's recent transition rule that allows five years of competition for student-athletes. The complaint alleges that the NCAA is violating the Rhode Island Antitrust Act by arbitrarily denying a specific cohort of players the new benefit. URI head coach Jim Fleming stated that the players possess legal representation and deserve the opportunity to compete for an additional season. The legal action follows a similar, unsuccessful attempt by Villanova lineman Jake Picard to secure a fifth year of eligibility.

• 11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Two URI football players challenge NCAA for fifth year of eligibility