A Franklin County judge granted Ohio State's Puff Johnson a temporary restraining order Friday, allowing the Penn State transfer to play immediately. The ruling overturned the NCAA's denial of a medical hardship waiver. Johnson's legal team argued Penn State's medical staff misdiagnosed a wrist injury, causing him to exceed redshirt limits.

Johnson's case hinges on allegations that trainers cleared him to play on a partially healed wrist, leading to a season-ending surgery. After exhausting appeals in federal court, his new legal strategy succeeded in state court. The transfer forward averaged 10.2 points per game before his injury last season.

The Buckeyes (11-5) host UCLA on Saturday, where Johnson could debut. His addition addresses a frontcourt need for coach Jake Diebler. The case highlights growing athlete challenges to NCAA eligibility rules, following recent lawsuits over transfer windows and medical disqualifications.