UVA QB Chandler Morris Seeks Extra Year of Eligibility in NCAA Lawsuit

Morris and his father, Clemson OC, to testify in Charlottesville court case

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:08pm

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University of Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is suing the NCAA in an effort to gain an additional year of college football eligibility. Morris and his father, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris, are set to testify on Thursday in Charlottesville Circuit Court as part of Morris's request for a preliminary injunction that would allow him to rejoin the UVA program immediately, despite the NCAA denying his waiver request.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around NCAA eligibility rules and the organization's treatment of student-athlete mental health concerns. Morris argues the NCAA is 'ignoring its own Constitution and Bylaws' by not granting him a medical waiver for the 2022 season, when he says he was dealing with mental health issues.

The details

Morris, who has been in college since 2020, is seeking the injunction after the NCAA ruled he has exhausted his four years of eligibility. His legal team plans to call Morris, his father Chad, and a mental health professional as witnesses on Thursday. The NCAA has filed a 572-page response but does not intend to call any witnesses.

  • Morris spent one season at Oklahoma in 2020, then transferred to TCU from 2021-23.
  • He played at North Texas in 2024 before joining UVA in 2025, leading the Cavaliers to an 11-4 record and an ACC championship game appearance.
  • The key issue is Morris's 2022 season, when he played in four games, including the NCAA championship game, despite dealing with mental health struggles.

The players

Chandler Morris

University of Virginia quarterback who is suing the NCAA to gain an extra year of college football eligibility.

Chad Morris

Chandler Morris's father and the offensive coordinator at Clemson University.

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the governing body for college sports that has denied Chandler Morris's waiver request for an additional year of eligibility.

Brian Cain

A mental performance consultant in Arizona who will testify virtually on Thursday in support of Chandler Morris's case.

Jim Phillips

The ACC commissioner who filed an affidavit in support of the NCAA's position.

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What they’re saying

“By treating minimal therapeutic engagement as disqualifying 'participation within the student-athlete's control' rather than as the mental health circumstance contemplated by NCAA (bylaws) the NCAA exercised its discretion in a manner that punished medically appropriate care.”

— Chandler Morris

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Thursday whether or not to grant Chandler Morris's request for a preliminary injunction that would allow him to rejoin the UVA football program immediately.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the NCAA's eligibility rules and its stated emphasis on supporting student-athlete mental health. The outcome could set an important precedent for how the NCAA handles similar cases in the future.