NCAA sues Ohio Governor Mike DeWine over athlete eligibility

The NCAA has filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio Governor Mike DeWine following an executive order that allows Ohio colleges and universities to expand eligibility options for certain student-athletes. The dispute centers on whether athletes from the high school graduating class of 2022 should be granted a fifth year of competition eligibility.

Governor DeWine argues the order is a matter of fairness, aiming to provide Ohio athletes with the same opportunities available under the NCAA’s new eligibility model, which generally allows up to five seasons of competition. The NCAA, however, contends the order provides Ohio institutions with an unfair advantage and attempts to compel schools to ignore national rules.

NCAA President Charlie Baker described the lawsuit as an “extraordinary step,” stating that college sports rely on uniform standards. The NCAA argues that extending eligibility to this specific group could displace incoming student-athletes. The legal battle follows a separate case involving basketball player Filip Borovićanin, which is currently being reviewed by the Ohio Supreme Court.