Chandler Morris Denied Seventh Season of Eligibility

Former Virginia QB's bid for extra year falls short in court

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, burnt orange, and white, conveying the complex and fragmented nature of the ongoing legal battles over player eligibility.The legal battle over college football eligibility rules continues to reshape the sport's landscape.Clemson Today

Chandler Morris, the former standout quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers, has been denied his request for a seventh season of NCAA eligibility. Morris had sought the additional year due to shoulder injuries he sustained while playing at TCU in 2022 and 2023, but his injunction was ultimately rejected by the court.

Why it matters

Morris' denied request marks a significant setback in the growing trend of college football players seeking extra seasons of eligibility through legal challenges. The decision could impact the plans of other players pursuing similar cases and raises questions about the NCAA's policies regarding medical hardship waivers.

The details

Morris passed for over 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns with 9 interceptions for Virginia in 2025, while also rushing for 245 yards and 5 scores. His father, Chad Morris, recently returned to Clemson as the offensive coordinator, leading to speculation that Chandler could have joined him there if granted the extra year of eligibility.

  • On Thursday, Chandler Morris had his day in court where he tried to pursue a 7th season of eligibility.
  • The denial comes just 3 weeks before the 2026 NFL Draft, jeopardizing Morris' chances of being selected.

The players

Chandler Morris

The former standout quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers who was denied his request for a seventh season of NCAA eligibility.

Chad Morris

Chandler Morris' father, who recently returned to Clemson as the offensive coordinator, leading to speculation that Chandler could have joined him there if granted the extra year of eligibility.

Diego Pavia

A JUCO player who successfully beat the NCAA in court, getting extra seasons of eligibility for JUCO players and sparking a wave of similar legal challenges.

Trinidad Chambliss

One of the college football players who has made their way to the courts this offseason seeking extra eligibility, with varying results.

Joey Aguilar

Another college football player who has made their way to the courts this offseason seeking extra eligibility, with varying results.

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What’s next

The NFL Draft is just 3 weeks away, and Morris is jeopardizing any chance of being picked with each day he continues his comeback attempt.

The takeaway

Chandler Morris' denied request highlights the growing complexity and uncertainty surrounding eligibility rules in college football, as players increasingly turn to the courts to challenge the NCAA's policies. The decision could have broader implications for the sport as more athletes seek ways to extend their playing careers.