G Zakai Zeigler denied fifth season at Tennessee

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A Tennessee federal judge rejected Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler’s request for a preliminary injunction on Thursday after he sued the NCAA last month for a fifth year of eligibility.

The injunction could have let Zeigler, the Volunteers’ all-time assist and steals leader, take the court while his lawsuit unfolded in court.

Zeigler sued the NCAA for a fifth year, claiming he could lose up to $4 million in NIL money if he isn’t allowed to play in 2025-26. The lawsuit argued he will suffer irreparable harm without immediate relief, with schools finalizing rosters and settling NIL deals.

“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,” judge Katherine Crytzer wrote in her decision.

Zeigler filed his suit in the Eastern District of Tennessee. In it, he claimed he could make between $2 million and $4 million in name, image and likeness money in 2025-26 after making $500,000 in 2024-25.

“We are disappointed the Court declined to grant a preliminary injunction on the basis that the NCAA does not directly control NIL compensation, just days after the House settlement confirmed they would do exactly that,” Litson PLLC and Garza Law Firm, Zeigler’s representation, said in a statement. “This ruling is just the first chapter of what we believe will ultimately be a successful challenge.”

Zeigler, who led the Volunteers to two Elite Eight appearances, set the school career records for assists (747) and steals (251). The three-time All-SEC pick and two-time league defensive player of the year averaged 11.3 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds in 138 career games (83 starts).

He graduated this month from Tennessee and plans to pursue a graduate degree.

–Field Level Media