A star quarterback's college career may be over. A court just rejected Chandler Morris's preliminary injunction against the NCAA, blocking his potential return to the Virginia Cavaliers for a seventh season.

The ruling is the latest development in his lawsuit over a medical redshirt.

“NEW: Chandler Morris has been denied a preliminary injunction against the NCAA and remains ineligible for the 2026 season, per @JacquieFran_” an X post by On3 reported on Thursday. 

Morris sued the NCAA in February after it denied his waiver to return to the Cavaliers for another year. The 25-year-old argues that he is due a medical redshirt for the 2022 season.

Morris sustained a major knee injury in the 2022 season opener at the TCU Horned Frogs. It resulted in his absence from the next seven games. He returned to play in three games late in the season, but as a backup, which tallied his total appearances to four that season.

However, Morris stated that this period affected his mental health, prompting him to argue that it qualifies for a medical waiver. 

But the NCAA thinks otherwise, and so does the Charlottesville Circuit Court. With this ruling, Morris is deemed ineligible to play in UVA 2026. 

“The NCAA is pleased by the court's decision today, which protects the integrity of collegiate competition,” they said in a statement. “As additional lawsuits challenging common-sense, academically-tied eligibility rules are filed, the NCAA will continue to defend against attempts to rob high school students across the nation of the opportunity to compete in college and experience the life-changing opportunities only college sports can create.”

While the NCAA is basking in the favorable judgment, the Cavaliers are left to deal with serious implications.

Morris Was a Cornerstone in the Cavaliers’ 2025Success

With Morris, the Cavaliers had a stellar run last year. The team thrived with an 11-win season, a first in the program’s history. They also appeared in the ACC Championship and then won 13-7 in the Gator Bowl against the Missouri Tigers.

With a pass completion rate of 64.7%, he scored 16 passing touchdowns (TDs) for 3,000 passing yards against nine interceptions. Morris also threw five rushing TDs for 245 rushing yards, although his 16 sacks stained a remarkable run. 

Morris has spent six years in the college circuit and also played with the Oklahoma Sooners and the North Texas Mean Green.

What do you think about this decision? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote