Pavia Lawsuit Leans on Nnaji Ruling in New Bid to Extend NCAA Eligibility

Citing the NCAA's four-year ruling for Baylor's James Nnaji, the players ask a Tennessee judge for an injunction expanding eligibility for former junior-college athletes.

Overview

Attorney Ryan Downton filed a memorandum Friday in Nashville federal court seeking a preliminary injunction in the case against the NCAA.
The filing points to the NCAA granting Baylor center James Nnaji four full seasons despite his European professional experience and 2023 No. 31 NBA draft status to argue inconsistent enforcement.
Plaintiffs ask U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell to block application of the five-year clock so former JUCO players can compete in 2026 and 2027.
The suit now includes 26 other plaintiffs, including Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, as it challenges how JUCO seasons are counted.
Pavia previously secured an injunction to play the 2025 season at Vanderbilt and is continuing the case while preparing for the NFL draft.