NCAA eligibility ruling allows players to return to Mississippi State and Southern Miss

A preliminary injunction issued by U.S. Judge Charlotte Sweeney has granted certain NCAA Division I student-athletes an extra year of eligibility. The ruling specifically impacts athletes who began college during the 2022-2023 academic year and would have exhausted their four years of eligibility by spring 2026, addressing a perceived exclusion in the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model.

Mississippi State is working to reintegrate two defensive players, edge rusher Malick Sylla and safety Jahron Manning, following the decision. Head coach Jeff Levis noted that while the players are back in the building, they must still complete specific processes before being cleared for preseason activities.

Southern Miss has also benefited from the ruling, welcoming back three players: offensive linemen Aloali'i Maui and Greg Nunnery, and defensive lineman Jameer Lewis. Southern Miss head coach Blake Anderson stated the return of these experienced players provides critical depth to the roster, particularly following a knee injury to sophomore offensive lineman Jahmir Davis during fall camp.