Michigan basketball guard scores legal win in bid for fifth season

Michigan basketball guard Kenny Noland scored a legal victory, securing a preliminary injunction against the NCAA on September 23, according to online court records. The ruling, issued by Judge Kara Krothe, makes Noland eligible for his fifth season and allows him to participate in the 2026-27 season with the Wolverines, pending trial outcome.

This development is particularly beneficial for Michigan, which requires a backup point guard and increased backcourt depth, especially with star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. recovering from a torn ACL. With Noland joining the team, Michigan now has a reliable ball-handler behind Elliot Cadeau and someone to replace the void left by L.J.

Cason's transfer to Miami (Fla.). Noland, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound transfer from Columbia, spent four years at the university, being a starter in the past two seasons. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 17.1 points and 3.7 assists per game, earning All-Ivy League second-team honors. Noland is among over 100 college athletes suing the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility, challenging the NCAA's decision to give athletes a five-year window to play five seasons.

The NCAA's new eligibility model has excluded the 2022 high school class from obtaining a fifth year. Noland was previously part of an eligibility lawsuit in North Carolina, but that case was dismissed without prejudice before its hearing. Judge Krothe explained that 2022 athletes are eligible "under the plain, unambiguous text of the (NCAA) manual" because the exact language of the new five-for-five eligibility bylaw does not exclude the Class of 2022.

She also added that the NCAA's decision to exclude the 2022 class is "arbitrary," "capricious," and "unreasonable." Despite Noland reportedly signing with Michigan on August 19 and joining the team on its European tour, the program has not yet formally announced his addition. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily halted a ruling granting 2022 high school class athletes a fifth year of eligibility, impacting those not covered by a separate state-court ruling.

Michigan currently has two roster spots available, and they could add both Noland and guard Roddy Gayle Jr., who is also pursuing a legal victory to secure an extra year of eligibility.