Judge denies UVA QB Morris' request for 7th year

A Virginia circuit court judge denied Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris' request for a preliminary injunction to play a seventh season on Thursday.

The 25-year-old quarterback sued the NCAA in Charlottesville Circuit Court in February in an attempt to return for one more season after his extension of eligibility waiver and appeal were denied by the NCAA earlier this year.

Morris, who led the Cavaliers to 11 wins and the ACC championship game in 2025, played six seasons and started 35 games during his stints at Oklahoma, TCU, North Texas and Virginia.

"The NCAA is pleased by the court's decision today, which protects the integrity of collegiate competition," the NCAA said in a statement. "As additional lawsuits challenging common-sense, academically-tied eligibility rules are filed, the NCAA will continue to defend against attempts to rob high school students across the nation of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.

"The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and inconsistent, conflicting court decisions make partnering with Congress essential to provide stability for all college athletes."

Morris' attorneys argued he was wrongly denied a waiver by the NCAA for his 2022 season at TCU. Morris suffered a knee injury in the Horned Frogs' season opener that he said significantly impacted his mental health.

Morris returned from the injury to play in three more games as a backup, including the College Football Playoff championship game. His attorneys said those appearances were part of a medically prescribed mental health treatment plan and that the NCAA disregarded mental health documentation submitted on Morris' behalf in denying his waiver.

In its response in opposition to Morris' request for a preliminary injunction, the NCAA said it rejected the waiver request because Virginia failed to prove Morris suffered an "incapacitating physical or mental circumstance" given that he was cleared to return in October of that season and participated in games.

The organization argued the treatment notes regarding Morris' mental health issues fell short of its standards because they were not from a licensed psychologist.

The NCAA also submitted an affidavit from ACC commissioner Jim Phillips asking the court to uphold the NCAA's eligibility rules.

The latest ruling is another significant victory for the NCAA as it continues to face legal challenges to its eligibility rules. In February, a Tennessee state judge denied Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar's request for a preliminary injunction to continue playing for the Volunteers.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was cleared to return for the Rebels in 2026 after the Mississippi Supreme Court denied the NCAA's appeal last week. Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke and Cal defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina have also sued the NCAA with the hopes of gaining an additional year.

According to the NCAA, preliminary injunctions have been denied in 33 of 71 eligibility lawsuits that have been filed against the organization. The NCAA reported 13 injunctions have been granted, 12 suits are still pending in lower courts and 13 have been voluntarily dismissed prior to a decision.

Morris, who threw for 3,000 yards and 16 touchdowns in his lone season with the Cavaliers, did not participate in the NFL combine or Virginia's pro day last month but could still opt to pursue the NFL draft, which begins April 23.

Virginia is moving forward with two transfer quarterbacks, Missouri's Beau Pribula and Pitt's Eli Holstein, who joined the program this offseason after Morris' waiver request was denied.