Kenny Noland granted preliminary injunction, currently eligible pending trial

Share

Tweet

Print

Email

Monroe Circuit Court Judge Kara E. Krothe granted a preliminary injunction today in the Indiana state lawsuit against the NCAA, clearing Michigan guard Kenny Noland to play this season. The ruling makes the plaintiffs eligible for competition, pending the outcome of the trial.

Noland, a Columbia graduate, signed with Michigan out of the transfer portal in August. He’s a 6-foot-2 point guard who averaged 17.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game as a senior. His importance has only grown since five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. tore his ACL on the Wolverines’ international trip. Noland traveled with the team but did not play in games while his eligibility was unresolved.

Noland was one of 97 players in the Monroe County lawsuit seeking an additional year of eligibility. The ruling means he can play for now, but his status could change as further legal action unfolds.

The order also bars the NCAA from enforcing its restitution rule, which would otherwise allow it to vacate wins or penalize schools that play athletes under a court order that is later overturned. The protection extends to Michigan and any team that plays against Noland. Krothe’s ruling hinged on the NCAA’s 2026-27 manual, which grants five years of eligibility from enrollment or age 19 without specifically excluding the Class of 2022. The injunction remains in effect until the case goes to trial.

Michigan is also trying to bring back Roddy Gayle Jr. for a fifth season. Gayle has been granted a temporary restraining order, and a hearing Thursday, Sept. 24, will determine whether he receives a preliminary injunction.