Former Texas OL Cole Hutson files age-based eligibility model

Former Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson has filed an age-based eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA, requesting a judge to grant a fifth year of eligibility to play the 2026-27 college football season. It’s the latest suit to be filed following the NCAA’s move to a model allowing five years of eligibility. Filed in Travis County, Texas, on Friday, Hutson is requesting a temporary injunction. Hutson played in 48 games and made 23 starts during his time with the Longhorns. He’s played at guard and center and earned a Cowboys rookie minicamp invite after going undrafted. Hutson was a member of the Texas offensive line that was selected as a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. The age-based model calls for an athlete’s eligibility clock upon initial full-time enrollment in college or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs earlier. The age-based eligibility implementation will begin this summer. Recruits starting in 2027 are age-based only. An Ohio judge granted a preliminary injunction for 24 men’s and women’s college basketball players suing the NCAA for eligibility on the age-based eligibility model last week. The win has spurred another set of suits against the NCAA, with the latest now coming in Texas.