Cal DL Aidan Keanaaina Files Eligibility Lawsuit Against NCAA

Keanaaina cites Trinidad Chambliss ruling in bid for extra year of eligibility

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:05am

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Cal defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking an additional year of eligibility after his medical redshirt waiver was denied for the 2022 season. Keanaaina, a former Notre Dame transfer, is citing the recent Trinidad Chambliss ruling as precedent in his case.

Why it matters

This lawsuit could have significant implications for the NCAA's medical redshirt policies and set a new precedent for players seeking extra eligibility due to injury. Keanaaina's case is similar to Chambliss', where a court granted a preliminary injunction to make the player eligible despite the NCAA's denial.

The details

Keanaaina suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and appeared in only one game for Notre Dame that season, but the NCAA still denied his medical redshirt waiver. In his lawsuit, Keanaaina's lawyers argue he has a $1 million NIL offer from Cal if granted another year, and several other schools have expressed interest in his services for 2026. The filing states Keanaaina's integration into a team's strategy and development with coaches would be hindered without a timely resolution.

  • Keanaaina played four years at Notre Dame from 2020-23 before transferring to Cal.
  • In 2022, Keanaaina suffered a torn ACL and appeared in one game against Boston College.
  • Keanaaina's medical redshirt waiver for the 2022 season was denied by the NCAA.

The players

Aidan Keanaaina

A defensive lineman who played four years at Notre Dame before transferring to Cal, where he is now suing the NCAA for another year of eligibility after his medical redshirt waiver was denied.

Trinidad Chambliss

A Division II football player at Ferris State who had his medical waiver denied by the NCAA for the 2022 season, but was later granted a preliminary injunction by a Mississippi state judge to play at Ole Miss this season.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Keanaaina a preliminary injunction, which would allow him to play in 2026 while the lawsuit proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes, the NCAA, and the courts over eligibility rules. It could set an important precedent for how the NCAA handles medical redshirt waivers, especially in cases where players have clear evidence of injury and missed significant playing time.