Former WVU Men’s Basketball player Brenen Lorient and current Mountaineer Javan Buchanan have filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking a fifth season of eligibility after the organization denied them the opportunity to compete under its revised eligibility rules. Read more: Lorient, Buchanan file lawsuit against NCAA, seeking fifth season of eligibility.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, is the latest in a growing wave of “five-for-five” legal challenges. The pair argues the NCAA’s refusal to extend their eligibility violates the athletes’ ability to compete at the collegiate level.
What is the five-for-five?
The case centers on the NCAA’s “five-for-five” eligibility rule, which allows athletes to have five years of eligibility to play five seasons. A growing number of athletes are challenging the rule in court.
Related: Tough roster conversations incoming thanks to latest NCAA ruling
On June 23, 2026, the Division I Cabinet unanimously approved an age-based model for athletes’ eligibility, stating that athletes would receive five years of eligibility if they enroll in college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday.
Lorient and Buchanan argue they should also receive a fifth year of competition for the 2026-27 season.
What the lawsuit argues
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, the lawsuit challenges the NCAA’s decision to deny the pair an additional season of eligibility.
According to the filing, plaintiffs Buchanan and Lorient are seeking temporary, preliminary, permanent, and declaratory relief, arguing the NCAA should be prohibited from enforcing what they describe as arbitrary and capricious eligibility decisions.
The lawsuit also alleges the NCAA breached its contracts with member institutions and prevented the two players from participating in college sports.
What’s next
The lawsuit will now move through the federal court system as both sides prepare to present their arguments. The court will determine whether Lorient and Buchanan will receive the requested relief and have the opportunity to compete during the 2026-27 season.
Lorient would be a returner who averaged 11.9 pts, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game and started all 34 games he played.
Buchanan is a transfer from Boise State, who averaged 12.6 points per game, five rebounds, and shot 42 percent from the field for the Broncos.
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