Ohio Supreme Court Backs NCAA Athlete Eligibility
The court upheld a ruling allowing student athletes to compete despite previous NCAA restrictions.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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The Ohio Supreme Court issued an order on October 29 preserving a ruling that maintains NCAA eligibility for two dozen student athletes. The decision allows University of Akron basketball player Evan Mahaffey to continue competing.
Why it matters
The ruling challenges an NCAA policy established in June that granted five seasons of eligibility while specifically excluding athletes who graduated high school in 2022. This conflict over eligibility rules has led to legal action by players seeking to protect their playing time and professional prospects.
Evan Mahaffey, a 6-foot-6 player, averaged 10.2 points per game last season while shooting 57.8% over 35 games started. He and teammate Kamrin Oriol recently combined for 18 points in a 92-76 exhibition game victory.
The players
Evan Mahaffey
A 22-year-old student athlete at the University of Akron who plans to play point forward this season.
Dustin Ford
The head coach of the University of Akron basketball program.
Kamrin Oriol
An Akron basketball player who is a plaintiff in a separate case against the NCAA in California.
The details
Evan Mahaffey and Akron head coach Dustin Ford provided testimony during a July 1 court hearing to address the eligibility dispute. Kamrin Oriol, a plaintiff in a separate lawsuit against the NCAA, also remains eligible to play for the 2026-27 season.
Timeline
March 2025: Akron men's team won the Mid-American Conference Tournament.
March 30, 2026: Dustin Ford became Akron head coach.
June 2026: The NCAA passed a new five-season eligibility rule.
July 1, 2026: Evan Mahaffey and Dustin Ford provided court testimony.
October 29, 2026: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in favor of the student-athletes.
Season Trajectory
The court ruling stabilizes the roster for the University of Akron just as the team prepares to open its season on November 2 against Louisiana. This legal outcome ensures key players remain available, shifting the competitive balance for the squad as they navigate their conference schedule.
Evan Mahaffey plans to play point forward during the 2026-27 season to maximize his professional career prospects. The continued eligibility of these players directly impacts the starting rotation for Akron as they begin non-conference play.
The takeaway
Student athletes continue to leverage judicial intervention to challenge NCAA eligibility standards that impact their career paths. Players and their legal teams are increasingly focused on protecting the full duration of athletic opportunities provided by collegiate programs.
What happens next
The University of Akron is scheduled to begin the season on November 2 against Louisiana.
Further reading
For more updates on college sports, visit Ohio Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
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