A Virginia circuit court judge rejected quarterback Chandler Morris' final attempt to play a seventh season on Thursday. The 25-year-old Morris, who led the Cavaliers to an ACC championship game in 2025, sued the NCAA after his eligibility extension and appeal were denied earlier this year. His legal challenge centered on a 2022 knee injury at TCU that impacted his mental health, which his attorneys argued warranted a waiver.

The NCAA countered Morris was medically cleared to return and played as a backup, deeming the mental health documentation insufficient. The organization, supported by ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, maintains its eligibility rules protect high school students' college opportunities. This ruling marks another setback for Morris, who threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in his lone season with Virginia.

With his waiver denied, Virginia will proceed with transfers Beau Pribula and Eli Holstein. The NCAA reported 33 of 71 eligibility lawsuits have been denied, highlighting ongoing legal challenges to its rules.