UCLA WR Kaedin Robinson Sues NCAA Over Eligibility Denial

Kaedin Robinson, a former Appalachian State wide receiver who transferred to UCLA, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA after being denied a waiver to play in the 2025 college football season. The lawsuit challenges the NCAA's five-year eligibility rule, claiming it violates federal antitrust laws and unfairly penalizes players like Robinson who attended junior colleges and experienced COVID-19 disruptions. Robinson was offered a $450,000 NIL contract by UCLA, and being barred from playing would cause significant financial and career harm. The NCAA had previously granted a similar waiver for Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia but denied Robinson’s request, prompting the legal challenge. Robinson’s lawsuit seeks immediate and permanent injunctive relief to allow him to compete for UCLA, where he would have been a key offensive contributor. This case highlights ongoing disputes over NCAA eligibility rules and the rights of student-athletes transferring from junior colleges.