Virginia QB Chandler Morris denied a preliminary injunction as he bids for 7th season

The NCAA says the court's decision protects the integrity of collegiate competition.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college football quarterback in motion, with his body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team's official colors.The legal battle over a college quarterback's bid for an extra year of eligibility exposes the complex and often rigid nature of NCAA rules.Charlottesville Today

Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris was denied in his bid for a preliminary injunction as he seeks a seventh season of eligibility. Morris had filed a lawsuit in Charlottesville (Virginia) Circuit Court last month seeking the injunction after the NCAA denied his medical redshirt waiver and appeal. A circuit court judge ruled against Morris on Thursday.

Why it matters

The dispute surrounding the 25-year-old Morris involves his 2022 season with TCU and whether it should count against his eligibility. This case is one of 71 eligibility lawsuits that have been filed, highlighting the growing legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules.

The details

Morris suffered a knee injury in the 2022 season with TCU and applied for a medical redshirt, but the NCAA denied that request after Morris made limited appearances in three games later that season. The NCAA stated that the court's decision 'protects the integrity of collegiate competition' and that it will continue to defend against attempts to change eligibility rules.

  • In 2022, Morris suffered a knee injury while playing for TCU.
  • Last month, Morris filed a lawsuit in Charlottesville (Virginia) Circuit Court seeking a preliminary injunction.
  • On Thursday, the circuit court judge ruled against Morris, denying his bid for a preliminary injunction.

The players

Chandler Morris

A 25-year-old quarterback who has played at Oklahoma, TCU, North Texas, and Virginia, and is seeking a seventh season of eligibility.

Chad Morris

Chandler Morris' father and the offensive coordinator at Clemson.

NCAA

The governing body of collegiate athletics that denied Morris' medical redshirt waiver and appeal, and defended the court's decision that protects the integrity of collegiate competition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The NCAA is pleased by the court's decision today, which protects the integrity of collegiate competition.”

— NCAA

What’s next

The NCAA stated that it will continue to defend against attempts to change eligibility rules, as additional lawsuits challenging common-sense, academically-tied eligibility rules are filed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules, as student-athletes seek more flexibility and opportunities to extend their college careers. The court's decision to deny Morris' preliminary injunction upholds the NCAA's authority to enforce its eligibility policies, but the broader debate over the fairness and adaptability of these rules is likely to continue.