How well do you know the always-changing lines between college sports and the pros? Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
Remember RJ Luis Jr.? He led St. John’s men’s basketball to a Big East title and won conference player of the year in 2025. The last time he was seen in a meaningful basketball game, he had a mystifyingly bad performance as the Red Storm were eliminated from the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Well, after getting brief looks from the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics last year, but never getting into an NBA game, he is now committed to play for Will Wade at LSU.
Wait, what?
Such is the perplexing, some might say exhausting, state of eligibility in college sports these days.
In June, the NCAA adopted an age-based eligibility rule that grants student-athletes up to five years of eligibility (five full seasons with no more redshirts and most waiver exemptions eliminated) after high school graduation or at age 19, whichever comes first.
It took less than two months for a Colorado judge to grant a preliminary injunction giving student-athletes from the Class of 2022 another year of eligibility. Since then, more suits across the country have followed, blowing huge holes into NCAA eligibility rules, new and old.
If you’re willing to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit, there always seems to be a chance you can go back to school.
For some former pros, however, NCAA rules are more accommodating. No lawsuits necessary. Enjoy your college experience.
Oh, and don’t forget to check those conference bylaws. Sometimes they might apply.
It’s almost impossible to keep up, but we’re here to help. Take our quiz to get a handle on who exactly is allowed to play college sports this coming season — and why.
As for Luis? To be determined. There is a hearing next week in Baton Rouge, La., home of the LSU Fightin’ Tigers.
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms
Play today’s puzzle

