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In what is a first for NCAA eligibility cases, the DOJ has weighed in on the Zakai Zeigler lawsuit against the NCAA aiming for a 5th season of eligibility.
The DOJ informed the court that it should use the “flexible rule of reason to challenges of the Sherman act to intercollegiate eligibility rules (or, in other words, Zeigler’s case) that may both have anticompetitive effects and procompetitive benefits in the labor market for student-athletes.” Essentially, the DOJ is advising that the court to protect the “student-athlete experience” – which seems to point towards this being a negative for Zeigler’s case.
Zeigler, who played 4 seasons at Tennessee as the Vols’ star point guard, filed the lawsuit 2 weeks ago on May 20. Here’s a full look at the DOJ’s statement. It’s worth noting that Zeigler is a graduate of the University of Tennessee as of May 2025.
Until a judgement is made in this case, there is simply no way to know how this will affect Zeigler’s bid for a 5th season. One thing is for sure: The Vols retaining Zeigler for one more year would improve an already impressive Tennessee roster to one of the best units in the SEC.
Zeigler is potentially the greatest point guard in Vols history and the program leader in assists and steals. He was the head of the snake for 2 trips to the Elite 8 – something the Vols had done just once before he arrived on campus.
The Vols have already added standout PG Ja’Kobi Gillespie out of Maryland for next season’s unit. The overwhelming assumption is that Zeigler’s motion for a 5th season will be denied, but it’s certainly fair to note that these days, anything can happen.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
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