Mizzou forward Mark Mitchell (25) is defended by Arkansas forward and former Missouri forward Trevon Brazile (7) on Feb. 21 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. Mitchell is once again eligible to play for the Tigers after he was among a group of athletes across the country that received a temporary injunction against the NCAA on Friday in Louisville, Ky.
Mizzou forward Mark Mitchell (25) is defended by Arkansas forward and former Missouri forward Trevon Brazile (7) on Feb. 21 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. Mitchell is once again eligible to play for the Tigers after he was among a group of athletes across the country that received a temporary injunction against the NCAA on Friday in Louisville, Ky.
Thomas Raymond/Missourian
Mizzou forward Mark Mitchell (25) is defended by Arkansas forward and former Missouri forward Trevon Brazile (7) on Feb. 21 at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. Mitchell is once again eligible to play for the Tigers after he was among a group of athletes across the country that received a temporary injunction against the NCAA on Friday in Louisville, Ky.
Missouri men's basketball forward Mark Mitchell is eligible to compete again after a Kentucky judge granted a temporary injunction Friday, giving the fifth-year senior another opportunity to play for the Tigers during the 2026-27 season.
The decision from Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Brian C. Edwards follows a second round of legal proceedings over Mitchell's eligibility. Edwards previously granted Mitchell and other college athletes temporary restraining orders Sept. 4, but an appeals court reversed that decision Oct. 2, allowing the NCAA to enforce its eligibility restrictions while the case returned to circuit court for another hearing.
Missouri coach Dennis Gates testified during Wednesday's hearing in Louisville, Kentucky, in support of Mitchell's case. Edwards ultimately ruled in favor of the athletes again. He determined that they faced the potential loss of a college season they could not recover if they were prevented from competing.
The judge also concluded that the NCAA had not demonstrated comparable harm from allowing the athletes to play while their cases continued through the legal system.
Mitchell's eligibility dispute is not necessarily finished. The NCAA could challenge the latest ruling in the Kentucky Court of Appeals, potentially creating another round of uncertainty for the Tigers as the season approaches. The outcome of a future appeal could determine whether Mitchell remains eligible for the entire season.
For Missouri, the ruling offers a significant development as Gates prepares his roster for the upcoming campaign. Mitchell is an experienced forward whose availability would give the Tigers another established option as they navigate a competitive Southeastern Conference schedule.
Other athletes receive injunctions
Mitchell was among several college athletes who received favorable rulings Friday in disputes with the NCAA over eligibility. Courts in Indiana, New Jersey and Mississippi also rejected NCAA requests to stay rulings that allowed athletes to compete, providing additional developments in the broader legal fight over college eligibility rules.
The cases reflect continuing disagreements over how the NCAA applies its eligibility restrictions and how those rules affect athletes seeking additional seasons of competition. Although Friday's decisions offer opportunities for the athletes involved, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and further appeals could affect their status.
Missouri prepares for Kansas State exhibition
Missouri is scheduled to open its exhibition slate against Kansas State on Friday, Oct. 23, in Manhattan, Kansas. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. with the game available to watch on ESPN+.
Mitchell's restored eligibility gives Missouri a chance to prepare for the exhibition with the forward back in the mix, although, the continuing legal process means his status could remain a developing story.
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