Virginia QB Chandler Morris files lawsuit seeking 7th year - ESPN

ESPN

by Max Olson

February 25, 2026

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Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a seventh year of eligibility after his medical redshirt waiver was denied. Morris, a 25-year-old quarterback who led Virginia to 11 wins and an ACC championship game appearance in 2025, claims the NCAA disregarded mental health documentation submitted on his behalf. His legal team argues that the 26 snaps he played during three games in the 2022 season were part of a medically prescribed mental health treatment plan following a knee injury that impacted his mental well-being. Morris, who started at Oklahoma before transferring to TCU and later Virginia, sought a medical redshirt for the 2022 season due to an injury sustained in the season opener. Despite being injured early in the year, Morris played in three more games, including the national title game, with his team’s medical staff supporting his mental health treatment plan. However, the NCAA denied his eligibility waiver, ruling that the snaps he played counted as a full year of eligibility. The lawsuit, filed in Charlottesville Circuit Court, aims to secure a preliminary injunction to allow Morris to continue playing while his case is reviewed. Morris’ legal challenge comes weeks after Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an injunction for a sixth year of eligibility following a similar dispute with the NCAA over medical redshirt guidelines. This case highlights ongoing debates about mental health accommodations and NCAA eligibility rules in college sports. Morris remains enrolled at Virginia and has not entered the NFL draft process while awaiting a resolution on his eligibility. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how the NCAA handles medical redshirts and mental health cases in the future, potentially influencing policies that affect student-athletes across the country. Morris’ story also underscores the intersection of sports, mental health, and academic governance, making it a significant case for fans and athletes alike.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026