Zakai Zeigler sues NCAA for another eligibility year after stellar college career

In May 2025, Zakai Zeigler, a standout basketball player from Tennessee, filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an additional year of eligibility. The lawsuit, submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, challenges the NCAA's four-seasons rule within a five-year window, arguing that it is an unlawful restraint of trade under federal and Tennessee antitrust laws.  Zakai Zeigler, a two-time Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year, played four seasons with the Volunteers, leading them to two consecutive Elite Eight berths and graduating from the university. Throughout his college career, Zeigler's contributions helped Vanderbilt achieve a strong record of 109 wins against 36 losses. His recent performance included being named a third-team All-American. The lawsuit states that the NCAA's limit prevents Zeigler from earning what could be a lucrative income during his fifth year, estimated between $2 and $4 million, capitalizing on his visibility and performance in the Southeastern Conference.  One of the unique aspects of this lawsuit is the approach taken by Zeigler's legal team. Unlike previous cases where athletes contended that their time at junior colleges should not count against their eligibility, Zeigler's grievance does not involve such arguments. Instead, it challenges the NCAA’s existing eligibility structure directly. The lawsuit indicates that the four-season limit constitutes a horizontal agreement among NCAA member institutions to suppress competition in the labor market for Division I athletes, thereby keeping more experienced athletes like Zeigler from accessing opportunities in professional sports and NIL (name, image, likeness) compensation.  As the lawsuit progresses, Zeigler’s representatives have requested a preliminary injunction, allowing him to compete in the upcoming season while pursuing his graduate studies. They anticipate a swift resolution to this matter to facilitate his preparation for the next basketball season. The NCAA, while facing criticism for its eligibility rules, has expressed ongoing support for reforms that would allow athletes to profit from their NIL rights. This situation highlights ongoing discussions regarding the rights of student-athletes and NCAA regulations around eligibility, which have long been contentious topics in collegiate sports law.