Zakai Zeigler continues his legal battle to play in Tennessee next season.
Tennessee Volunteers point guard Zakai Zeigler is intensifying his legal battle against the NCAA, seeking a fifth year of eligibility to continue his collegiate basketball career in the 2025–26 season. Zeigler’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, challenges the NCAA’s “four-seasons” rule, which limits athletes to four seasons of competition within a five-year window. 
Zeigler’s legal team argues that this rule unlawfully restricts athletes and violates federal and state antitrust laws. They have requested a preliminary injunction to allow Zeigler to compete in the upcoming season while pursuing his graduate studies.
A hearing on Zeigler’s motion for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Friday, June 6. If granted, it would permit him to play during the 2025–26 season while the broader legal challenge proceeds.
Zeigler’s case has garnered attention from various stakeholders in college athletics. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey addressed the lawsuit during the 2025 SEC Spring Meetings, acknowledging the complexities involved. Legal experts suggest that Zeigler has a chance at success, which could set a precedent affecting eligibility rules nationwide.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Zeigler remains hopeful for a favorable outcome that would allow him to return to the court and continue his academic pursuits. The decision could have significant implications not only for his future but also for the broader landscape of college athletics. Zakai Zeigler continues his legal battle to play in Tennessee next season.