Virginia QB Chandler Morris Files Lawsuit Seeking 7th Year

Quarterback seeks injunction after NCAA denied medical redshirt request

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a seventh year of eligibility. Morris, a 35-game starter, led the Cavaliers to an 11-win season and ACC championship game appearance in 2025 but had his medical redshirt waiver and appeal denied by the NCAA in January. His attorneys argue the NCAA disregarded mental health documentation in denying the request.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges student-athletes face in navigating the NCAA's eligibility rules, particularly around medical redshirts and mental health considerations. It also comes on the heels of a recent court ruling granting an Ole Miss quarterback a sixth year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his request.

The details

Morris, 25, transferred to Virginia for the 2025 season after stints at Oklahoma, TCU and North Texas. He suffered a knee injury in the 2022 season opener at TCU that significantly impacted his mental health, but still played in three more games that year as a backup. Virginia submitted documentation on Morris' behalf, but the NCAA denied his medical redshirt waiver and appeal. Morris is now suing the NCAA, seeking a preliminary injunction to grant him a seventh year of eligibility.

  • In January 2026, the NCAA denied Morris' medical redshirt waiver and appeal.
  • On February 24, 2026, Morris filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Charlottesville Circuit Court.

The players

Chandler Morris

A 25-year-old quarterback who led Virginia to an 11-win season and ACC championship game appearance in 2025, but had his medical redshirt waiver denied by the NCAA.

Simon Pflum

Chandler Morris' agent who confirmed the lawsuit filing to ESPN.

Chad Morris

Chandler Morris' father, who is the offensive coordinator at Clemson.

Beau Pribula

An experienced transfer quarterback signed by Virginia in January 2026 after the NCAA denied Morris' waiver request.

Eli Holstein

Another experienced transfer quarterback signed by Virginia in January 2026 after the NCAA denied Morris' waiver request.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.