Urban Meyer Calls NCAA a 'Powerless Organization'

Former Ohio State coach criticizes NCAA's inability to enforce its rules amid growing legal challenges from players.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a recent podcast interview, former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer criticized the NCAA, calling it a "powerless organization" that has struggled to enforce its rules as college athletes increasingly seek injunctions in state courts to bypass NCAA rulings on eligibility. Meyer's comments come amid several high-profile cases, including Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss receiving an injunction to gain a sixth season of eligibility after the NCAA denied his request.

Why it matters

Meyer's comments highlight the growing challenges the NCAA faces in maintaining control over college sports as players assert their rights through the legal system. This trend raises questions about the future role and authority of the NCAA, which has traditionally served as the governing body for collegiate athletics.

The details

In the interview, Meyer said the NCAA has "tried to enforce something" whenever it has set a penalty, but ends up "litigating" and "losing" in court. He noted the NCAA lacks subpoena power, making it a "powerless organization." While the NCAA has had some recent success, such as Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako having his eligibility revoked by an Alabama court, other cases like Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar being denied a preliminary injunction have gone the NCAA's way.

  • On February 22, 2026, Urban Meyer made the comments on The Triple Option podcast.
  • Earlier in February 2026, Meyer played golf with President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, discussing collegiate issues like eligibility and NIL.

The players

Urban Meyer

Former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, who is known for his outspoken views on issues in collegiate sports.

Trinidad Chambliss

Ole Miss quarterback who received an injunction from a Mississippi judge to grant him a sixth season of eligibility after the NCAA had previously denied his request.

Charles Bediako

Alabama basketball center who had his eligibility revoked by an Alabama court, a victory for the NCAA in its recent eligibility battles.

Joey Aguilar

Tennessee quarterback who was denied a preliminary injunction by a Knoxville judge, another win for the NCAA in its legal fights over player eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“The NCAA, to give them credit, every time they've set a penalty, they've tried to enforce something. They litigate, they go to court and they lose. There is some empathy to understand they don't have subpoena power. They're a powerless organization right now.”

— Urban Meyer, Former Ohio State Head Coach (The Triple Option podcast)

What’s next

The NCAA will likely continue to face legal challenges from players seeking to bypass its rulings, raising further questions about the organization's ability to effectively govern college sports.

The takeaway

Meyer's comments underscore the NCAA's struggle to maintain control as college athletes increasingly turn to the courts to assert their rights, highlighting the need for the NCAA to adapt and potentially seek greater federal oversight or regulatory powers to enforce its rules and decisions.