Ohio Supreme Court Reinstated Javon Bennett Eligibility

The ruling allows the Gonzaga basketball player to compete while his lawsuit against the NCAA continues.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball

Ohio Supreme Court Reinstated Javon Bennett Eligibility

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The Ohio Supreme Court has restored the eligibility of Gonzaga basketball player Javon Bennett by staying a lower court decision that had halted his play. This action effectively reinstates a preliminary injunction that allows the 5-foot-10 guard to take the court.

Why it matters

The court ruling enables Bennett to participate in games while the legal proceedings regarding the Borovicanin vs. NCAA lawsuit move forward. It ensures his current status remains unchanged while the broader legal questions are addressed.

Javon Bennett averaged 15.8 points per game last season and made 98 starts over three seasons while playing for the Dayton Flyers. The guard also recorded averages of 2.9 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game.

The players

Javon Bennett

He is a 5-foot-10 basketball player who transferred to Gonzaga after previously playing for the Dayton Flyers.

NCAA

This organization serves as the governing body for collegiate athletics and is the defendant in the lawsuit involving Bennett.

Ohio Supreme Court

This is the highest judicial body in Ohio which issued the stay to reinstate the player's eligibility.

The details

The decision overturns a previous move by the Ohio Court of Appeals that had restricted the player from competing following an August 2026 stay requested by the NCAA. Bennett, who committed to Gonzaga on August 6, is now authorized to play as his legal battle over eligibility continues.

July 9, 2026: Bennett was cleared to play via preliminary injunction.
August 6, 2026: Bennett committed to Gonzaga.
October 3, 2026: Gonzaga held Kraziness in the Kennel showcase.
October 14, 2026: Ohio Supreme Court issued the eligibility reinstatement.
October 24, 2026: Gonzaga plays an exhibition game against Arkansas.

Season Trajectory

This decision provides Gonzaga with a key rotation piece heading into the start of their exhibition slate. It maintains the current status of the team's roster availability as they prepare for the opening of the basketball season.

Bennett is now eligible to be included in the rotation for the upcoming exhibition game against Arkansas. His presence on the court affects the team's backcourt depth and potential performance metrics for the season.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal complexities surrounding athlete eligibility and transfer rules in collegiate sports. Players and fans should continue to monitor upcoming court dates for further clarity on these shifting regulations.

What happens next

Gonzaga is scheduled to open its exhibition slate against Arkansas on October 24, 2026. Additionally, the Glancey vs. NCAA lawsuit is set to resume proceedings on October 20, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.