Court Delays NCAA Eligibility Trial for Oregon State Duo
A Benton County judge has postponed the scheduling of a trial for two Oregon State players due to a crowded court docket.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
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Benton County Circuit Court has delayed setting a trial date for fifth-year seniors Van Wells and Jaheim Patterson in their lawsuit against the NCAA. The players maintain their eligibility to play for Oregon State for the remainder of the current season despite ongoing litigation.
Why it matters
The lawsuit challenges age-based eligibility rules, with the players alleging a breach of contract by the NCAA. The court's delay ensures the athletes can continue their season while legal discovery and depositions remain incomplete.
Van Wells has started seven games at center this season, while Jaheim Patterson has recorded 16 tackles. Oregon State currently holds a 5-2 overall record and remains 3-0 in conference play.
The players
Van Wells
He is a fifth-year senior center for the Oregon State football team who has started seven games this season.
Jaheim Patterson
He is a fifth-year senior defensive player for the Oregon State football team who has tallied 16 tackles this season.
NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is the governing body for college sports that is currently facing a breach of contract lawsuit regarding age eligibility.
Matthew Donohue
He is the judge presiding over the Benton County Circuit Court proceedings involving the players and the athletic association.
The details
Judge Matthew Donohue cited a full court docket and the need for further discovery documents from the NCAA as reasons for the scheduling impasse. The players were granted a preliminary injunction against the association last month, allowing them to remain on the field.
Timeline
Last month, a preliminary injunction was granted against the NCAA.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, a status hearing was held in Benton County Circuit Court.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, Oregon State is scheduled to play Fresno State.
November 2026, the court docket is currently full.
Mid-November 2026, the earliest potential timeframe for a trial.
Season Trajectory
This ongoing litigation impacts the competitive stability of the Oregon State roster by defining player status for the remainder of the season. With the players currently cleared for play, the team maintains its 3-0 conference record as they prepare for the upcoming game against Fresno State.
Because the court granted a preliminary injunction, both Wells and Patterson remain eligible for the matchup against Fresno State this Saturday. The team enters the game as a 5.5-point favorite despite the ongoing distraction of the legal proceedings.
The takeaway
The court's decision to delay the trial allows the players to focus on their season while the discovery process continues. Fans and stakeholders should anticipate a resolution no earlier than mid-November pending the court's calendar.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate athletics, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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