Denzel Aberdeen granted injunction to play 2026-27 season

Florida basketball guard Denzel Aberdeen has been granted a temporary injunction by a circuit court judge, making him eligible to play for the 2026-27 season. Judge George Wright of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Alachua County ruled that Aberdeen is a third-party beneficiary under the NCAA's 2026-27 Manual, which functions as a contract.

The legal action follows the NCAA's denial of Aberdeen's request for a waiver to play a fifth season of collegiate eligibility. Aberdeen's attorney, Jesse Panuccio, argued that the NCAA's refusal to honor its eligibility framework is unlawful, citing similar rulings in over 30 other courts regarding student-athletes who began their careers during the 2022-23 season.

Aberdeen, who previously played for the Florida Gators before a stint with the Kentucky Wildcats, saw his role increase significantly during his time at Florida, including playing on the 2024-25 national championship team. Florida coach Todd Golden expressed satisfaction with the ruling following the Tuesday hearing.