# Ohio student-athlete eligibility legal dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-student-athlete-eligibility-legal-dispute > Updated: 2026-10-18T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued Executive Order 2026-04D, authorizing public and private colleges and universities in the state to allow student-athletes from the high school graduating class of 2022 to compete for a fifth year. DeWine stated the order aims to ensure fairness, noting, “We want Ohio’s student-athletes to have the same opportunity as student-athletes in other states.” The order allows institutions to bypass NCAA eligibility guidelines while legal challenges proceed. In response, the NCAA filed a federal lawsuit against the Governor in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to prevent what President Charlie Baker described as an “extraordinary step” that could create an unfair competitive advantage. The NCAA argues the order attempts to compel institutions to ignore established rules, potentially undermining the level playing field essential to collegiate sports, and cites constitutional concerns including First Amendment violations. The NCAA further contends that extending eligibility to this specific group could displace incoming student-athletes. The litigation has expanded to include student-athletes, such as basketball player Filip Borovićanin, who have sued to secure their eligibility. The Ohio Supreme Court has intervened, pausing a previous appeals court ruling that had declared the 2022 graduates ineligible, and has requested legal briefs from both parties. ## Claims - Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order allowing Ohio universities to grant a fifth year of eligibility to the high school class of 2022. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The NCAA filed a federal lawsuit against Governor DeWine in Ohio. (corroborated by 2 sources) - NCAA President Charlie Baker stated the lawsuit aims to prevent an impossible competitive playing field. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Ohio Supreme Court has stepped in to determine the legality of the executive order. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Ohio Supreme Court paused an appeals court ruling that had declared the 2022 athletes ineligible. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Filip Borovićanin is a lead plaintiff in the legal case regarding athlete eligibility. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: NCAA sues Ohio Governor Mike DeWine over athlete eligibility The NCAA is suing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in federal court over an executive order that allows state colleges to grant a fifth year of eligibility to certain student-athletes, potentially creating an unfair's 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor-mike-dewine-over-athlete-eligibility ### 2026-10-16: NCAA sues Ohio Governor Mike DeWine over eligibility executive order The NCAA is suing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in federal court to block an executive order that would allow Ohio universities to grant a fifth year of athletic eligibility to certain student-athletes. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ncaa-sues-ohio-governor-over-student-athlete-eligibility-executive-order ### 2026-10-13: Ohio Governor authorizes colleges to bypass NCAA eligibility rules Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order allowing state colleges to grant a fifth year of eligibility to 2022 high school graduates, defying new NCAA restrictions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ohio-governor-authorizes-colleges-to-bypass-ncaa-eligibility-rules --- Cite as: Ohio student-athlete eligibility legal dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ohio-student-athlete-eligibility-legal-dispute