For a stretch, NIL dominated every conversation in college athletics, but as the industry has slowly accepted it as a permanent fixture, a new battleground has taken center stage. Eligibility. Over the last 12 months, eligibility disputes and the lawsuits that follow have become the defining storyline across college sports. Texas A&M has been right in the middle of it.
Last season, the Aggies navigated the saga surrounding Rashaun Agee, who fought to retain his final year of eligibility. Thanks in part to head coach Bucky McMillan, Agee secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and ultimately played the entire season. That case proved to be a preview of what was coming nationally.
This year, A&M is again tied to multiple eligibility battles.
One unresolved case involves former NBA G League guard Bryson Warren, who is still awaiting a waiver. Another centers on newly‑signed Aggie Jordan Pope, whose situation became even more complicated when Texas, unsure of his eligibility status, filled its roster before Pope’s case was resolved. McMillan, anticipating the possibility, kept a roster spot open. It paid off.
On Tuesday, news broke that Pope, along with more than 70 players, has been granted a TRO in the ongoing lawsuit against the NCAA, according to The Texas Trial Group. The ruling allows Pope to compete while his eligibility challenge continues in court.
For those that message us daily about California - Today our clients were granted a TRO covering approx 73 players. pic.twitter.com/h3n4EoZt4t
— The Texas Trial Group (@TexasTrialGroup) August 18, 2026
A few important notes:
- It prohibits the NCAA from enforcing transfer rules.
- Prevents athletes from playing if they signed a pro contract before July 31.
- Orders that the transfer portal is open from yesterday through Aug 24.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M benefits again as Jordan Pope wins TRO in eligibility case