An Indiana judge just dropped a bomb on college basketball, granting a preliminary injunction that restores eligibility to nearly 90 college athletes. This Wednesday ruling from Judge Kara Krothe in Indiana’s Monroe County Circuit Court clears the path for a wave of needle-movers to return to the college game for a fifth year, and the NCAA is already expected to appeal. This isn’t just about a few players, though: the injunction is incredibly broad, forcing the NCAA to allow more than 100 players to play, preventing them from stopping athletes from playing for a new school even if they didn’t enter the portal, and even blocking professionalism rules. Oh, and they have to open a new portal window. Wild, right?
Stars Return: Iowa State and Miami Get Their Guys Back
The biggest names leading this charge are absolutely massive. Tamin Lipsey, a three-time All-Big 12 selection, is expected back with Iowa State. This dude is a four-year starter and a hounding defender, which is exactly what T.J. Otzelberger needs. They just lost sophomore guard Killyan Toure until midseason with a significant shoulder injury. Lipsey shores up Iowa State’s biggest offensive concern, which was creation without Joshua Jefferson. His return reinforces that the Cyclones’ defense is going to be outstanding. With Lipsey in the mix, Iowa State looks every bit a top-20 outfit.
Then there’s Malik Reneau, who led Miami in scoring last season. The table is set for this powerful lefty forward to return to The U. Imagine him teaming up with new point guard Acaden Lewis to form one of the most potent 1-2 offensive punches in the entire ACC. Miami coach Jai Lucas suddenly has a top-10 team on his hands. A starting five of Lewis, Dante Allen, Shelton Henderson, Reneau, and Somto Cyril? That’s just flat-out outstanding.
This Ain’t Just About a Few Guys: The NCAA’s New Reality
The ripple effects go way beyond the headliners. Kenyon Giles, the star point guard for Wichita State, is also expected to return to the Shockers. Last season, Giles averaged 19.1 points and shot over 37 percent from 3-point range on extremely high volume. Wichita State won 24 games last season, and with Giles leading them, they’re positioned to be the American’s best team. Over in Indiana, the Hoosiers are bolstering their frontcourt depth with a second season from Sam Alexis. Indiana coach Darian DeVries made it a strong point of emphasis to load up on big men in the portal after his team got out-physicaled and out-talented last year. While Alabama transfer Aiden Sherrell and SMU transfer center Samet Yigitoglu are projected to start, the 6-foot-9 Alexis can fill in the gaps as the third big in the rotation. Even Kansas’ top-heavy roster gets some with Tre White now eligible.
This is going to reshape the entire 2026-27 college basketball season. With the NCAA expected to appeal, we’ve got a battle brewing that could define the landscape for years to come. Get ready, because these rosters are about to get a whole lot more interesting, and some teams just got a massive shot in the arm.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply