Hold up, Longhorns fans. Cole Huston, the big offensive lineman who won his court battle for a fifth season of eligibility, still can’t play for Texas. Coach Steve Sarkisian dropped the news Monday, saying Huston remains ineligible, not because of the court ruling, but due to “something different when it comes to the NCAA that he’s working through.” This isn’t just some minor detail either, especially with No. 1 Ohio State looming on Saturday!
The NCAA Hurdle Is Real, and It’s Not What You Think
Sarkisian didn’t dive deep into the specifics, but he called it an “appeal process with the NCAA.” This is critical because it means the legal win for a fifth year isn’t the hang-up here. It’s some other NCAA issue that’s keeping the one-time starter off the field. Sarkisian was quick to point out that Huston’s situation is way different from LSU’s Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who got their fifth year after playing in NFL preseason games. You know, that controversial ruling that made the SEC adopt a new rule banning anyone who signed a pro contract or spent time on a pro roster from coming back? Yeah, that one.
Sarkisian was crystal clear: Huston never signed a professional contract. He never was “technically a professional player,” despite participating in minicamps with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys. He tried out, that’s it! This puts him in a “little different caveat,” as Sarkisian put it, meaning the SEC rule might not apply if the NCAA ever clears him. So, they’re waiting on the NCAA, and then it’s back to the SEC to make the final call on his eligibility. Talk about layers!
What This Means For the Longhorns’ Line
The good news is Huston is able to practice with the Longhorns and he’s still on the roster. If he gets cleared, the 6-foot-5, 308-pound lineman would likely slot in as a backup interior lineman. He’d be able to spell guards Dylan Sikorski, Laurence Seymore III, and Brandon Baker, plus center Connor Robertson. Huston’s played in 48 games with 23 starts at center and guard from 2022-25, so he’s got experience. Losing him for any stretch is a hit, even if he’s a backup. Oh, and as an aside, Sarkisian also said running back Derrek Cooper is out for the Ohio State game and the “foreseeable future.” Not exactly the news you want heading into a monster game!
So, with the Longhorns hosting No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday, this whole Cole Huston situation adds a wild layer of uncertainty. Can they get him cleared in time? Will the NCAA move fast enough? Every snap against the Buckeyes is going to be massive, and Texas needs all hands on deck. What a moment for college football, right?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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