A federal judge denied a preliminary injunction request from five college football players, including Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson, seeking a fifth season of eligibility. The players, who all completed four seasons without a redshirt year, argued the NCAA's redshirt rule violates antitrust law. The court found they didn't prove they would likely succeed on their claim.

The ruling affects players like Wisconsin's kicker Nathanial Vakos and Nebraska's long snapper Kevin Gallic, whose coaches wanted them back but would seek transfer portal replacements. Their attorney, Ryan Downton, expressed disappointment but noted a parallel case allowed Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia to play in 2025 after starting at a junior college.

The decision arrives amid growing pressure on NCAA eligibility rules. Football coaches recently voted unanimously to ask the NCAA to expand the redshirt game limit from four to nine. Downton believes the trend is toward allowing players five seasons in five years, predicting "Five for five is coming" whether the NCAA adapts or faces a court defeat.