Georgia safety planning to sue NCAA for fifth season of eligibility

Pete Nakos reported on On3 that a former Georgia Bulldogs safety, JaCorey Thomas, intends to sue the NCAA for an additional fifth season of eligibility. Thomas aims to return to college and enter the transfer portal. The lawsuit comes as part of a series of cases from the 2022 class of athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility.

According to the temporary restraining order, athletes from the 2022 class are eligible for another season if they weren't drafted, didn't sign an NFL contract, and didn't redshirt. Thomas, who played in six games during his freshman season, never redshirted or signed a professional contract. He was an integral part of the Georgia Bulldogs' national championship victory but had limited involvement in subsequent seasons.

However, Thomas started in 2025, recording 45 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack, including his only sack and tackle for loss against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC championship. He was controversially ejected for targeting during the Sugar Bowl, which marked his final college game. If Thomas is granted eligibility, the situation may change.