Judge Dismisses Rylan Griffen Lawsuit Against NCAA
The Texas A&M basketball player is now ineligible to compete following a court ruling regarding his eligibility status.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Judge John Brick dismissed Rylan Griffen's lawsuit against the NCAA after sustaining a special appearance and ruling that the court lacked personal jurisdiction. Griffen is currently ineligible to play for the Texas A&M men's basketball team following the decision.
Why it matters
Griffen sought legal action to secure a fifth year of eligibility under new age-based rules approved by the NCAA. The dismissal leaves his ability to play in the upcoming season uncertain as his legal team explores further remedies.
Griffen played 32 games for the team during the 2025-26 season, maintaining a 40.4% 3-point shooting percentage and 77.4% free throw average. He also recorded 1.6 steals per game while appearing in 40% of the season's matchups.
The players
Rylan Griffen
He is a college basketball player who sought to extend his athletic career following four years of competition.
John Brick
He is the judge in Brazos County who presided over the lawsuit and ultimately dismissed the claims against the NCAA.
NCAA
The national governing body for collegiate athletics that recently implemented new age-based eligibility standards.
Texas A&M
The university where Griffen played basketball during the 2025-26 season and holds a 22-12 overall record.
The details
Judge Brick issued the dismissal in Brazos County after Griffen previously dropped a separate lawsuit in Dallas County involving 40 other athletes. Although Griffen played nine minutes for the Denver Nuggets in the 2026 NBA Summer League, he earned no compensation for that appearance.
Timeline
June 23: The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a five-year age-based eligibility model.
August 27: Griffen received a temporary restraining order in Dallas County.
September 14: Griffen received a temporary restraining order in Brazos County.
October 28: Judge Brick held the injunction hearing and dismissed the claims.
Season Trajectory
This ruling significantly alters the roster outlook for Texas A&M as they prepare to open their schedule. The loss of Griffen impacts the team's depth and scoring production heading into their November matchup against Alabama State.
The absence of Griffen removes a player who averaged 11.2 points per game from the rotation. Fans and analysts must now monitor the lineup adjustments ahead of the team's upcoming November 3 contest.
The takeaway
Legal disputes surrounding student-athlete eligibility continue to highlight the complexity of transitioning from college to professional play. Players looking to extend their careers often find themselves caught between evolving NCAA regulations and judicial oversight.
What happens next
Texas A&M is scheduled to play Alabama State on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of college sports, visit the Basketball section.
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