Court Grants Sixth Eligibility Year
Kansas Guard Melvin Council Jr. Returns to Practice After Court Grants Sixth Year of Eligibility
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Key Points
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The injunction bars the NCAA from penalizing Council or any program that allows him to join its team, according to the judge’s written ruling.
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Judge Daniel J. Doyle directed Council’s lawyers to circulate a proposed order to opposing counsel by Oct. 27; if the sides cannot agree, each must submit arguments on the requested undertaking.
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Council scored 36 points and made nine three-pointers in a win over North Carolina State last season.
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Kansas reached the Big 12 tournament semifinals and the NCAA tournament’s round of 32 during Council’s season with the Jayhawks.
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Council’s return means he will need to build chemistry with a substantially new-look Kansas roster, though he does have some returning teammates, including Tre White.
Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. will return for the 2026-27 season after a New York judge granted him a preliminary injunction to pursue a sixth year of college eligibility. FOX 4 KC reports that Council argued his two junior college seasons should not count toward NCAA rules, allowing him to play again. The case remains ongoing, with the NCAA expected to appeal the decision.
Council was a standout last season, starting all 35 games and averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. He earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors and helped Kansas reach the NCAA tournament's round of 32. His immediate return to practice strengthens the Jayhawks' backcourt with experienced leadership and playmaking.
Judge Blocks NCAA From Penalizing Council
Sports Illustrated reports that Judge Daniel J. Doyle's written ruling bars the NCAA from punishing Council or any program that allows him to play. The judge directed Council's legal team to share a proposed order with opposing counsel by October 27. If both sides cannot agree, each must submit written arguments on the requested undertaking.
Council's Elite Play Last Season Earned National Recognition
Council's breakout year made him one of the Big 12's most impressive newcomers. He scored 36 points and made nine three-pointers in a win over North Carolina State, showcasing his outside shooting touch. Hoops Rumors notes that his all-around game — combining scoring, rebounding and playmaking — made him vital to Kansas's tournament runs last season.
Jayhawks Face Roster Turnover Despite Council's Return
Kansas.com reports that Council will rejoin a substantially new-look Kansas roster in 2026-27. However, he does have some familiar faces returning. Teammate Tre White also recently received court-backed eligibility relief, giving the Jayhawks continuity in their backcourt. Council will need time to build chemistry with new teammates while anchoring the offense.
Legal Victory Mirrors Tre White's Recent Eligibility Win
Council's injunction follows a similar court victory by teammate Tre White, who also gained eligibility relief through legal action. Kansas City reports that the legal wins signal a shift in how college basketball players challenge NCAA eligibility rules. Both players' returns give Kansas experienced ball-handlers heading into a critical conference season.
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