NCAA Granted Michael Gray Jr. Fifth Season Eligibility

The Wichita State guard received a medical redshirt waiver following a career-long injury review.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in Wichita State black and gold jersey, driving toward the hoop in motion. — The NCAA has granted Wichita State men's basketball guard Michael Gray Jr. a fifth season of eligibility following a successful medical waiver review. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support granting college athletes extra eligibility for medical redshirts?

The NCAA has approved a medical redshirt waiver for Wichita State men's basketball guard Michael Gray Jr. This decision grants the player a fifth year of eligibility for the upcoming 2026 collegiate season.

Why it matters

The waiver ensures Gray can return to the court for the Shockers after he previously missed the 2022-23 season due to injury. His availability provides Wichita State with a returning starter who averaged 8.2 points per game last year.

Gray maintains five total years of eligibility following the successful petition. He logged 8.2 points and 2.3 assists per game while starting every contest during the 2025-26 season.

The players

Michael Gray Jr.

He is a collegiate basketball player who competes as a guard for the Wichita State men's basketball team.

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association serves as the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in the United States.

Wichita State

This public research university, located in Wichita, Kansas, fields the Shockers basketball program.

The details

Gray transferred to Wichita State after playing two seasons at Nicholls and previously competing at George Mason University. His return was confirmed following his participation in an October 10, 2026, scrimmage against VCU.

Gray missed the entire 2022-23 season due to injury.
He started every game for the Shockers during the 2025-26 season.
Gray sat out an exhibition game against Murray State on October 7, 2026.
He participated in a scrimmage against VCU on October 10, 2026.
Wichita State will play its regular season opener on November 4, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Securing Gray's availability stabilizes the Wichita State rotation for the 2026-27 season. His return impacts the team's depth and starting lineup options heading into the regular season opener.

Gray will be available for the Wichita State regular season opener on November 4, 2026. This eligibility ruling officially clears him to compete for the full 2026-27 schedule.

The takeaway

Student-athletes recovering from prolonged injuries can utilize the medical redshirt process to extend their collegiate careers. Fans should note that Gray is now active and participating in team activities following his clearance.