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Judge Grants Clemson Receiver Tristan Smith Injunction to Play in 2026 Season
The ruling gives Smith another season after the judge said losing it would cause immediate and irreparable harm and could cost him NIL earnings.
- On Friday, June 12, 2026, South Carolina Circuit Judge Jessica Ann Salvini granted Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith a temporary injunction against the NCAA, making him immediately eligible to compete in the 2026-2027 season.
- Smith sued the NCAA in January after his eligibility waiver was denied, arguing the organization granted "similar relief to other athletes in comparable situations" while excluding him despite circumstances being "nearly identical" to others.
- Citing "immediate and irreparable harm," Judge Salvini noted the loss of a season "destroys a time-limited opportunity" and prevents Smith from earning between $300,000 to $600,000 in NIL revenue.
- Upon posting a $5,000 surety bond, Smith is free to join team activities immediately and will rejoin Clemson for the season opener against LSU on September 5.
- The NCAA is transitioning from a "Four-in-Five" eligibility model to a "Five-in-Five" structure, leaving athletes like Smith, who graduated in 2022, in a transitional period that necessitated his legal challenge.
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44 Articles
44 Articles
The Washington Post+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Clemson receiver Tristan Smith granted temporary injunction for 5th season by South Carolina judge
Clemson wide receiver Tristan Smith was granted a temporary injunction by a South Carolina judge that prevents the NCAA from ruling him ineligible for the 2026 season
Helena Independent Record+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
Judge grants Clemson receiver Tristan Smith injunction to play in 2026 season
Tristan Smith is back. On Friday, a local judge granted the Clemson wide receiver’s request for a temporary injunction against the NCAA. The ruling clears the way for Smith to suit up for the Tigers football team in 2026 after…
·Helena, United States
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Total News Sources44
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center34Last UpdatedBias Distribution81% Center
Bias Distribution
- 81% of the sources are Center
81% Center
14%
C 81%
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