For the last four seasons, Tennessee has had Zakai Zeigler at the forefront of its basketball program. His eligibility expired following an Elite Eight loss to Houston, effectively ending his career at Tennessee. However, in May, Zeigler began pursuing an extra year of eligibility for one final season on Rocky Top.
"(Zeigler) seeks to compete in the fifth year of his five-year eligibility window while pursuing a graduate degree," the lawsuit states. "But he finds himself arbitrarily barred from doing so by an NCAA rule that limits athletes to participating in only four seasons of intercollegiate competition within the five-year window (the 'Four-Seasons Rule'). As a result, he cannot compete or earn NIL compensation during his fifth year—the most lucrative year of the eligibility window for the vast majority of athletes."
The case went to court during the first week of June, where Zeigler’s legal team argued for an additional year of eligibility. On Thursday, it was revealed that the court denied his request—presumably marking the end of his time at Tennessee.
“The court is a court of law, not policy. What the NCAA should do as a policy matter to benefit student athletes is beyond the reach of the Sherman Act and TIPA,” Fox’s Trey Wallace posted.
However, On3’s Pete Nakos quickly indicated that Zeigler’s legal team may not be done fighting.
“Zakai Zeigler’s push for a 5th year is not over,” Nakos wrote.
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The denial appears to stem from a lack of supporting evidence.
“Plaintiff has failed to present sufficient evidence that the Four-Seasons Rule produces substantial anticompetitive effects in the market for student athlete services and NIL compensation in Division I basketball,” the judgment stated.
If Zeigler can gather stronger evidence, there's still hope he could return for one more season—and reunite with his best friend and coach, Rick Barnes. Fans on Rocky Top are certainly hoping to see their beloved Zeigler back on the court, where they’ve watched him grow over the past four years.