Published 12 hours ago • loading... • Updated 4 hours ago
Mizzou DT Sterling Webb Remains Eligible After Judge Rules in His Favor
The ruling keeps the Missouri defensive tackle eligible after he challenged the NCAA’s 5-for-5 eligibility model, which excluded 2022 graduates.
A St. Louis County court denied the NCAA's motion to dismiss a temporary restraining order on Wednesday, clearing Missouri defensive tackle Sterling Webb to play in the 2026 season.
Webb sued the NCAA over its '5-for-5' age-based eligibility model, arguing the rule unfairly excluded Class of 2022 graduates who completed their eligibility in four seasons.
Shortly before Wednesday's hearing, Webb's attorneys added the University of Missouri as a defendant alongside the NCAA, a strategic move intended to provide the University cover regarding his eligibility.
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz learned of the ruling during an SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday, saying, "I'm just trying to figure out who's eligible for our games-- tomorrow."
The Tigers open their 2026 season Thursday night in Columbia against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, with Webb expected to be a prominent part of the defensive tackle rotation.