Mar 5, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) handles the ball against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) handles the ball against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
‘Doing Anything To Avoid a Job’: Fans Left in Splits As Tennessee Guard Zakai Zeigler Appeals Denial of Motion for Preliminary Injunction
Zakai Zeigler is looking to extend his college career. The Tennessee Volunteers star, whose request for a fifth season of eligibility was denied last week, has decided to appeal the NCAA’s ruling, as reported by On3 on Tuesday. However, his decision has drawn reactions from college basketball fans on social media.
Zakai Zeigler isn’t giving up on his goal of returning to Tennessee for another season. The guard has spent the last four seasons with the Volunteers and has now filed an eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA’s five-year rule, which allows athletes to play four seasons within five years. Zeigler argues that this rule is “an unlawful restraint of trade under federal and state antitrust laws.”
Judge Katherine A. Crytzer denied the motion for Zeigler’s preliminary injunction, and the guard’s lawyer recently announced that Zeigler will be appealing the decision. Zeigler’s attorney, Alex Little, has claimed that the Tennessee star will miss out on millions of dollars in NIL money if he cannot play next season.
Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
College basketball fans have reacted to the news of Zeigler appealing the NCAA’s decision in the comments section of On3’s Instagram post. Many opined that the guard should step away from basketball and get a job.
“DOIN ANYTHING TO AVOID A JOB😂”
An IG user says Zakai Zeigler is avoiding getting a job
“IMMA VOLS FAN BUT I THINK IT’S TIME TO HANG IT UP MAN😂🥀”
A fan encourages Zeigler to stop playing basketball
”GET ON LINKEDIN LIL BRUH”
”GIVE IT UP BROTHA😂”
Comments poke fun at Zeigler
Others argued that Zeigler’s appeal is valid and that he deserves another season of eligibility.
”Y’ALL MAD AT HIM BUT HE’S GETTING FREE SCHOOLING AND WILL BE BETTER THAN MOST WHEN HE’S DONE PLAYING”
A fan argues that Zeigler is honing his skill set and getting a free education
”IF THAT DIEGO GUY IN NASHVILLE GETS 7 YEARS IN COLLEGE, WHY CAN’T ZAKAI?”
An IG user questions why Zeigler can’t receive extra eligibility while other players do
”THE 5 TO PLAY 5: WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT? MAKES THE MOST SENSE. AVOIDS 26 YEAR OLDS PLAYING BUT ACCOUNTS FOR TYPICAL REDSHIRTS, ETC. ZEIGLER IS ONE OF THE BEST SEC PGS EVER. WHY NOT GIVE IT ANOTHER SHOT? Y’ALL SHOULD BE MAD AT CB-M.”
A look at Zakai Zeigler’s senior season at Tennessee
Zakai Zeigler is looking to return to Tennessee after an impressive senior campaign. The guard has spent the entirety of his college career with the Volunteers and is coming off of his best season yet.
Zeigler started in all but one game for Tennessee this season after emerging as a starter in his junior campaign. As a senior, the guard put up career highs in scoring (13.6 ppg), rebounds (2.9 rpg), and assists (7.4 apg). His assist value led the Vols, and he also posted a team-best 1.9 steals per game.
Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler (5) with the 3-point attempt while defended by Missouri’s Tony Perkins (12) in an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Zeigler shot a career-high 40.4%, including 32.2% from beyond the arc. He helped Tennessee to a second consecutive Elite Eight. The star guard is now looking for another season of eligibility to continue his dominance at Tennessee.
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