September usually means counting down to college basketball season, but this year fans await injunctions and restraining orders. Dozens of players are in eligibility limbo for 2026-27, falling into three buckets: fifth-year seniors, international prospects, and former professionals.

Fifth-year seniors who graduated high school in 2022 have sued the NCAA for a fifth year, arguing they're unfairly missing out on the five-for-five rule. International prospects face stricter regulations on "actual and necessary expenses." The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC won't allow former professionals back, but what constitutes a professional is debated. Alabama's Aden Holloway is also in limbo with less than two months until Villanova and Notre Dame tip off in Italy on Nov. 1.

ESPN's Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf rank the top 25. RJ Luis Jr., LSU, leads after winning Big East Player of the Year at St. John's. Mark Mitchell, Missouri, could make the Tigers a national title contender. Keyshawn Hall, St. John's, would be an immediate Big East Player of the Year candidate. Malik Reneau is expected to return to Miami if ruled eligible.