A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a ruling that would have granted thousands of student-athletes an extra year of eligibility. The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver approved the NCAA's request to pause a lower court's decision while the appeal process is underway.
This situation creates uncertainty for players, including SMU safety Ahmaad Moses, who were informed they could extend their college careers.
The original ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte Sweeney stated that athletes who graduated high school in 2022 and completed their four seasons of eligibility this spring should receive an additional year. This ruling followed legal challenges from players who argued they were unfairly denied the same relief given to earlier classes during the pandemic.
The NCAA is also moving towards a new eligibility model that allows for five seasons of play within five years from a player's initial enrollment.
Moses, who began his collegiate career at SMU in 2022, served as a team captain and earned All-ACC first-team honors in 2025. He was initially set to enter the professional ranks but faced an injury that led to spinal surgery, leaving him undrafted. While he continues to practice with the team, the current legal situation complicates his eligibility.
