Virginia QB Chandler Morris denied 7th year of eligibility after lawsuit

Quarterback's bid for additional season rejected by court

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:16pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of green, white, and gold, conveying the complex challenges faced by student-athletes seeking extended eligibility.The denied request for an extra year of eligibility casts a shadow over the Virginia football program's plans for the upcoming season.Charlottesville Today

Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris will not be granted a seventh year of college football eligibility after his preliminary injunction was denied in Charlottesville Circuit Court. Morris had argued he should qualify for medical redshirt seasons due to injuries sustained during his time at TCU, but the court ruled against his request.

Why it matters

Morris' denied request for an additional year of eligibility is a significant setback for the Virginia football program, as he was expected to be the team's starting quarterback this upcoming season. The decision raises questions about the university's medical redshirt policies and the challenges student-athletes can face when seeking extended eligibility.

The details

In his lawsuit, Morris cited mental health concerns and previous injuries sustained at TCU as reasons he should be granted a seventh year of eligibility. However, the Charlottesville Circuit Court ultimately ruled against his request, denying the preliminary injunction that would have allowed him to play this season.

  • On April 3, 2026, the Charlottesville Circuit Court denied Morris' preliminary injunction request.
  • Morris had been seeking a seventh year of eligibility due to injuries and mental health issues from his time at TCU.

The players

Chandler Morris

The Virginia quarterback who was denied a seventh year of college football eligibility after his lawsuit was rejected by the Charlottesville Circuit Court.

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The takeaway

This decision highlights the challenges student-athletes can face when seeking extended eligibility, even in cases involving mental health and injury concerns. It also raises questions about the consistency and transparency of medical redshirt policies at the collegiate level.