The eligibility of BYU basketball transfer Jaxon Kohler remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings involving the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference. While a California temporary restraining order currently permits his participation, a scheduled hearing on Sept. 29 will determine if a more permanent preliminary injunction is warranted following his commitment to the Cougars on Aug. 20.
Kohler's Impact and Commitment
Kohler, an American Fork native and former four-year Michigan State Spartan, committed to BYU on Aug. 20. His commitment followed a California temporary restraining order that granted him eligibility and allowed him to enter the transfer portal two days prior, according to BYU Universe.
Kohler is expected to be a significant addition to the Cougars' roster this season. During his senior season with the Spartans, he averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and a 38.9 percent shooting percentage from the three-point range.
New NCAA Eligibility Rules
The debate over Kohler's eligibility stems from a new NCAA age-based model known as "five-in-five," instituted in June 2026. This rule allows athletes to play five seasons over a five-year period, a shift from the previous model that allowed four seasons within a five-year window. This change effectively eliminates the need for redshirts and medical waivers.
Under the new rules, an athlete who suffers a season-ending injury within two seasons would only be able to compete for three seasons of play. Because players who graduated high school in 2022 were not grandfathered into this policy, they have sought additional eligibility through the court system. Kohler is a participant in a California lawsuit filed on July 17 regarding these eligibility rules.
Legal Challenges and Stays
The legal landscape surrounding player eligibility remains volatile as the NCAA challenges various court decisions. While a judge in Ohio granted a preliminary injunction that made the class of 2022 immediately eligible, and a federal judge in Colorado granted a nationwide preliminary injunction, the NCAA has actively sought stays to pause these rulings.
As of late August, stays have been granted for cases in Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, and Georgia. In Tennessee, the Court of Appeals issued an order staying the injunction granted to plaintiff athletes pending appeal, rendering those players ineligible unless the court rules in their favor. Conversely, stays have not been granted in Kentucky, Louisiana, or Washington.
Big 12 Professionalism Rules
In addition to NCAA regulations, Kohler faces scrutiny under new Big 12 Conference rules released on Aug. 26. These rules prohibit teams from rostering players who have declared for a professional sports league draft, have been on a professional roster, or have signed a contract with a professional league.
Analysis suggests Kohler meets the Big 12's requirements. He never declared for the NBA draft because his status as a senior made him auto-eligible. Furthermore, while Kohler agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract, he never signed it. Robby McCombs of Vanquish the Foe noted that players participating in summer leagues should remain eligible because the program is a "glorified tryout with no contract" and players only receive a per diem for food and lodging.
Upcoming Legal Decisions
The current legal status of Kohler's eligibility depends on the outcome of a scheduled preliminary injunction show-cause hearing on Sept. 29. During this hearing, the court will require the NCAA to explain why a preliminary injunction should not be granted.
If a preliminary injunction is issued, Kohler's eligibility could extend throughout the season, with a final ruling expected in January 2027. However, if the injunction is denied, his temporary restraining order will end, leaving him ineligible unless a stay is granted or a higher court reviews the case.
Future Outlook
While Kohler is currently eligible to play, the long-term stability of his participation remains uncertain. The outcome of the September hearing and the NCAA's ongoing appeals will ultimately dictate whether the American Fork native can compete for BYU this season.
