Judge's Order Allows Michigan Wolverines to Potentially Add Mid-Season Transfers
A temporary restraining order grants former Miami and Boise State players eligibility, raising questions about transfer rules.
The Michigan Wolverines are on the verge of adding two players, former Miami tight end Alex Bauman and former Boise State defensive back Jeremiah Earby, to their roster mid-season following a temporary restraining order granted by a Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge.
These players are now legally permitted to play this season, having reportedly enrolled at Michigan. The court order allows them to enter the transfer portal. The eligibility hinges on the fact that neither player signed with an NFL team after their collegiate seasons.
The NCAA recently enacted new guidelines concerning the number of years an athlete can compete collegiately, which has led to lawsuits from athletes who feel targeted. Earby, who recorded 60 tackles for Boise State last season, pursued legal action after not receiving a professional opportunity. Bauman previously played for Miami after three years at Tulane, with his performance in the 2024 season leading to his transfer.
Neither player has officially signed with the Wolverines as of Wednesday afternoon, and the university has not commented on the situation. The school is currently 3-2 on the season and is preparing to face Penn State.
These developments are part of a broader trend where athletes are seeking and receiving court-ordered eligibility, leading to uncertainty among athletic administrators nationwide about how to manage such cases. The NCAA is reportedly continuing to contest these lawsuits, which challenge the organization's eligibility rules.