When 7th year 25 year olds are mocking 5th year 23 year olds… we’ve jumped the shark on eligibility.

The main driver for NCAA related news these days seems to be lawsuits brought about to challenge eligibility rules. Since as long as I can remember the standard 5 years to play 4 seasons has been the rule. But ever since the NCAA decided not to count all of the 2021 season due to the impact of COVID-19, we’ve been living in a fresh hell of news cycles largely connected to how a 25 year old can play another year of college football or basketball.

Joey Aguilar has been granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) to continue to train for another season at the University of Tennessee. Aguilar began college in the 2019 season (yes 7 years ago) taking a redshirt for the City College of San Francisco. In 2020 the season in California was cancelled, so he transferred to Diablo Valley Community College. He played two years there, two at Appalachian State, and then last year at Tennessee. The judge who granted the TRO is a Tennessee graduate, which I’m sure is of no real importance to the story.

Trinidad Chambliss is seeking another year at Ole Miss after his appeal was denied by the NCAA. Another judge, another TRO, and Chambliss and his representation are going after the NCAA in the courts. Chambliss began his career at Division II Ferris State in the 2021 season. So yeah he’s only seeking a 6th season, not an 8th like Aguilar.

I’m not sure what Aguilar’s exact argument is other than he wants the money he’ll get as the UT QB, but Chambliss has a small argument that his 2022 season (2021 was a redshirt) should be declared a medical redshirt since he only played 2 games. Meaning he would have only really competed in three full seasons. Two at Ferris State and one last year at Ole Miss.

But then there’s the whole Charles Bediako story, where we’ll find out soon enough whether Bediako will continue to be able to play for Alabama after playing two years in the NBA G-League, and declaring for the draft back in 2024. Bediako is 23 years old, he played two seasons at Alabama in 2021-22, and 2022-23. He’s still technically in his 5 year window, which is the argument… but that withdrawal window for the draft exists for a reason. Even Steven Pearl said he’s rooting for Bediako to be ruled eligible in his press conference yesterday.

Ahead of the Texas A&M-Alabama game, 25 year old Rashaun Agee, in his 7th year of playing college basketball at his fifth school, joked that he and his teammates were making fun of Bediako and I definitely went into “wait a minute…” mode.

Bediako started college basketball in 2021, Agee started much earlier than that. Bediako is within his 5 year window, Agee needed a judge to play beyond his.

Agee is similar to Aguilar in that he had JUCO time on his resume, and with the Diego Pavia ruling he should have been allowed another season.

Look, that’s all fine with me. But the only reason these guys are jumping through hoops to compete in college is because it’s more money than they’ll make where ever their next stop might be. Aguilar isn’t an NFL draft pick, and even if he was, playing at Tennessee as the starting QB is likely to earn him more than being a late round pick and a backup in the NFL. For Agee, he’s a 6’7 post player with limited athleticism. Guys like that don’t tend to see an NBA roster.

I really don’t mind that they’re letting Bediako play. I’d rather the game be played by good players, it’s better to watch for the more casual fans. I have more of an issue with guys who are clearly outside the age of the rest of the roster continue to see action. If you’re 25 and you’re competing against 19 and 20 year olds, there’s a difference. I am hopeful that we’re close to the NCAA getting a hold on the eligibility thing.

At least have a consistent rule. European pros coming over muddied the waters a bit, but to equate a Euro player who doesn’t have a high school team, with an American player is a false dichotomy. Just give us the age range and go from there.

Yesterday at Rock M and Rock M+

If you were curious about T.O. Barrett’s sudden surgence as a role player and now starter, Matt Harris does what Matt Harris does, and dropped an analysis piece that is worth reading, asking if Barrett has more he can give:

In his last six games, Barrett has averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists – a jump that came just as it was natural to wonder if his progress had stalled. More importantly, it’s helped Mizzou’s offense stay afloat during Anthony Robinson II’s ongoing slump.

Now comes the big question as MU rests up during a bye week: Will it last as the Tigers face a brutal closing stretch in their SEC schedule? Because if Barrett’s performance ebbs, so might the program’s chances of playing its way off the bubble and into the NCAA Tournament.

Those questions also come colored with a trace of skepticism.

Matt Harris a skeptic? You don’t say! The piece, though, is excellent. And as always, thanks to subscribers at RM+ as it helps us pay for Synergy, which is where Matt compiles all of his video.

• WBB went to Fayetteville and took down Arkansas for their second straight road win, moving to 16-9 overall and 4-6 in conference. Dylan has the recap:

This game was highly competitive from the jump with 11 total lead changes and nine ties. But it felt like Mizzou was usually in control or driving the action, leading for 22 minutes and 37 seconds compared to just 12 minutes for Arkansas. This was clear in the fourth as the Tigers led wire-to-wire, but could never muster a lead more than five points.

A road win is a road win is a road win. Take em anyway they come!

Surely it’s not Softball season already right? You’d be wrong! That’s right, some hot Softball action heats up TODAY with Mizzou taking on Penn State in Clearwater, Florida at 9am. The NFCA D1 Leadoff Classic is taking place with Oregon, liberty, BYU, and South Alabama all on the docket for the ladies, and all over the next three days.

• Our robust Softball staff did a Roundtable to kick things off yesterday, and no topic was off limits:

Rock M’s softball staff is bigger than ever this season and we hope to provide all the content you need to stay up to date throughout the season.

We thought it made sense to do a preseason roundtable looking back at last season, along with looking at what’s next for a Tigers team that failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 18 years. Coach Larissa Anderson will be looking for a stronger season following the worst of her coaching career. Without further ado, let’s start talking ball!

Color me at least a little excited for a good softball season. I think the ladies bounce back after a bumpy year last year.

Rock M Radio: Talkin’ Olympic sports!

A new episode of BTBS should be coming soon, and Dive Cuts had to punt this week due to some scheduling conflicts.

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