Tennessee basketball standout Zakai Zeigler has initiated legal action against the NCAA, seeking a fifth year of eligibility on the grounds that the four-year structure has unfairly deprived him of significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings.
The 22-year-old, who has made a name for himself as a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American, participated in 138 games for the Volunteers without ever redshirting. This fact underpins his argument, as he asserts that had he taken a redshirt year, he would have benefitted from an extended five-year eligibility period—typically the most lucrative for athletes regarding NIL opportunities.
In his complaint filed with the federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee, Zeigler contends that the existing system allows NCAA institutions to control access to the fifth year of eligibility, selectively allowing certain athletes access while excluding others based solely on institutional advantage. He claims that this practice limits his opportunities and, by extension, his marketability for NIL compensation, which is becoming increasingly vital for student-athletes today.
Zeigler’s case echoes the successful lawsuit of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who similarly argued that his time at a non-NCAA member institution hindered his NIL earning potential, ultimately securing an additional year of eligibility for himself and other affected athletes.
As the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve with NIL opportunities, Zeigler’s legal challenge represents a critical moment for athletes seeking greater control over their careers and earnings potential.
Overall, while Zeigler faces an uphill battle, his case may pave the way for future changes in NCAA policies, potentially leading to more equitable earning opportunities for student-athletes in the long run.