It’s possible that Zakai Zeigler is still in Knoxville. After completing his fourth season of eligibility, the renowned Tennessee point guard declared today that he would formally be pursuing a fifth.
In regards to his eligibility, Zakai Zeigler has sued the NCAA. He hopes to receive a fifth year. Pic.twitter.com/JyhRrCm0Yo #Vols
— @Reece_VH, Reece Van Haaften May 20, 2025
According to the press release, “we have asked for a preliminary injunction to permit Zakai to participate in the forthcoming season while pursuing his graduate studies.” “We hope that this issue is resolved quickly so that Zakai can start getting ready for the upcoming season.
“According to federal and state antitrust laws, the NCAA’s rule allowing four seasons of eligibility within a five-year eligibility window is an unlawful restraint of trade,” the lawsuit claims.
Tennessee has one scholarship spot open right now. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a Maryland transfer who was anticipated to replace Zeigler as point guard, was signed by Rick Barnes and colleagues through the transfer portal.
Neither the NBA Combine nor the G-League Combine extended invitations to Zeigler. The renowned point player is now aiming for one last ride with Tennessee, but his size will always keep him off the NBA’s radar. Last season, Zeigler averaged 7.4 assists and 13.7 points per game. In addition to setting an SEC record for assists in a single season, he became Tennessee’s all-time leader in career and single-season assists.
Let’s start the legal struggle….
