BREAKING NEWS: Zakai Zeigler continues his legal battle to play in Tennessee next season
Tennessee basketball standout Zakai Zeigler has initiated legal action against the NCAA, seeking a fifth year of eligibility to continue playing for the Volunteers in the 2025–26 season. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Tennessee, challenges the NCAA’s current eligibility rules, which limit athletes to four seasons of competition within a five-year period unless they have redshirted a season. Zeigler, who played four consecutive seasons from 2021–22 through 2024–25 without redshirting, argues that this rule unfairly restricts athletes who have not taken a redshirt year.
In his filing, Zeigler contends that the NCAA’s policy violates federal and state antitrust laws by limiting his ability to compete and earn compensation through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. He estimates potential losses between $2 million and $4 million in NIL earnings if he is not granted an additional year of eligibility. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to allow Zeigler to play while pursuing graduate studies at Tennessee.
Zeigler’s case has garnered attention not only for its potential impact on his career but also for its broader implications for NCAA eligibility rules. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent allowing all collegiate athletes five seasons of play, regardless of redshirt status. This change could significantly affect roster management and scholarship allocations across college sports.
During his tenure at Tennessee, Zeigler has been a pivotal player, setting school records for assists (747) and steals (251). He has earned multiple accolades, including two SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Third-Team All-American selection in 2025. His leadership and performance have been instrumental in the Volunteers’ recent successes, including two Elite Eight appearances.
Zeigler has expressed a strong desire to return to Tennessee, stating, “Why would I not? I love Vol Nation, and Vol Nation loves me.” However, his return hinges on the outcome of the lawsuit and any subsequent changes to NCAA eligibility policies. As the legal proceedings unfold, the college sports community watches closely, recognizing that the case could reshape the landscape of collegiate athletics.