JJ Starling Joins Buffalo Bulls Amid Eligibility Fight
The former Syracuse guard signed with University at Buffalo for the 2026-27 season while a court case over NCAA eligibility rules continues.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
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JJ Starling signed with the University at Buffalo in early September 2026 for the 2026-27 college basketball season. A preliminary injunction granted him eligibility pending a hearing scheduled between Sept. 29 and Dec. 3.
Why it matters
Starling's eligibility is being litigated under new NCAA rules allowing athletes to play five seasons within a five-year period. The outcome could determine whether an experienced scorer plays for Buffalo this season.
Starling averaged 17.8 points per game the season before dropping to 10.9 points per game last season at Syracuse. His eligibility for the 2026-27 season depends on a hearing scheduled between Sept. 29 and Dec. 3.
The players
JJ Starling
A guard who previously played at Notre Dame and Syracuse University, whose eligibility under new NCAA five-in-five rules is being litigated.
University at Buffalo
The Buffalo university competing in the Mid-American Conference, which signed Starling for the 2026-27 season.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association, which together with several conferences argues the five-in-five rule does not apply to athletes from the high school class of 2022.
The details
Starling previously played at Notre Dame and Syracuse University before signing with Buffalo. He obtained a temporary restraining order from a California judge, and a preliminary injunction later granted him and other athletes in the lawsuit eligibility pending a hearing.
Timeline
Early September 2026: Starling signs with University at Buffalo.
Sept. 29 to Dec. 3, 2026: Scheduled hearing on Starling's eligibility.
Season Trajectory
The NCAA's new five-in-five eligibility rule is being tested in court by athletes who have already played four seasons. Buffalo's roster plans for the opening of the regular season now depend on how that litigation resolves.
If Starling is cleared, Buffalo gains a returning high-major scorer for the Mid-American Conference season. If he is not, the Bulls will need to replace that scoring output from their current roster.
The takeaway
Eligibility rules for college athletes remain contested, and transfer decisions can hinge on court rulings that arrive months after players have already committed to a program. Fans following Buffalo basketball should watch the hearing dates for updates on Starling's status.
What happens next
A hearing on Starling's eligibility is scheduled between Sept. 29 and Dec. 3, 2026, and its outcome will determine whether he plays for Buffalo this season.
Further reading
For more on the Bulls' program, see Basketball coverage of Buffalo's roster moves.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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