Over the past month, the fifth-year eligibility controversy has centered on football players, but college basketball programs are now awaiting key rulings on fifth-year, professional, and international players. The NCAA is gaining steam in its fight to end state and federal eligibility decisions, renewing its push to keep pro-experienced players out and complicating paths for international targets.

ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf rank 13 teams impacted by this uncertainty. These teams could become Top-25 squads with conference championship and Final Four ambitions if players are cleared, or go into free fall if not.

LSU Tigers face a boom-or-bust debut under Wade. Best case: SEC title sleeper; worst case: limited roster. RJ Luis Jr., the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, signed multiple NBA two-way contracts. Potential fifth-year talents Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark helped UCLA reach the 2026 second weekend. European prospects Marcio Santos, Saliou Niang, Michael Ruzic, and Brice Dessert also need clearance.

St. John's Red Storm has issues in every category: Keyshawn Hall and Reed Bailey are five-for-five hopefuls; Babacar Sane is a former G-Leaguer; Quinn Ellis is a top international arrival. Rick Pitino already lost Donnie Freeman for the season. Without the quartet, the roster is unproven.

Texas Tech Red Raiders lost two-time AP All-American JT Toppin to a torn ACL in February. He's expected back, but timing is unclear.