A California judge granted a prohibitory injunction on Oct. 20, 2026, making BYU basketball player Jaxon Kohler eligible to play through the end of the 2026-27 college basketball season. The ruling in the Glancey v. NCAA case provides a significant legal victory for Kohler and other members of the Class of 2022 involved in the litigation.
California Court Ruling Details
The decision was issued by Judge Beth McGowen in a Santa Clara, California courtroom. According to Robby McCombs, the injunction is a prohibitory ruling rather than a mandatory one, a distinction that maintains the current status quo and makes it more difficult for the NCAA to win an appeal. The injunction affects all members of the Class of 2022 involved in the Glancey v. NCAA case.
Legal Context for Players
The injunction arrives as a critical development for Kohler, who has been part of ongoing legal battles regarding eligibility. This legal victory follows a period of litigation that has been a central focus for collegiate athletes, including Kohler and Gonzaga's Xaivian Lee. During the hearing, Judge McGowen noted her status as a BYU graduate and a fan of Gonzaga University.
Remaining Legal Hurdles
While the injunction provides eligibility through the 2026-27 season, legal experts and reporters note that further hurdles remain. The NCAA is expected to appeal the decision. Additionally, the players must still face a trial, though the specific date for that trial has not yet been set. If the trial occurs after the conclusion of the season and the NCAA's motion to stay the injunction is denied, the players would remain eligible for the entire season.
Comparison to Previous Rulings
The current ruling is distinct from previous preliminary injunctions that were later overturned or stayed in other states. For example, in an Indiana case that granted an injunction on Sept. 23, 2026, the Indiana court of appeals denied the NCAA's motion to stay that injunction on Oct. 16, 2026. The legal group representing the Indiana plaintiffs is the same group representing the California plaintiffs in the Glancey case.
Future Outlook
The ruling provides immediate relief for athletes as the college basketball season approaches. As reported by Jon Rothstein, the injunction applies to all members of the Class of 2022 involved in the case. Despite the positive news for players, the NCAA's expected appeal remains a primary factor in determining the long-term eligibility of the involved athletes.
