CBB Analyst Makes A Bold Statement About Tennessee’s Zakai Zeigler Suing the NCAA Over Eligibility

Tennessee basketball standout Zakai Zeigler is at the center of a legal battle that could reshape how college eligibility is determined. After playing 138 games over four seasons, Zeigler has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking permission to play a fifth year.

This move has sparked a heated debate since the maximum eligibility timeline for a player to compete at the college level is four years. Surprisingly, some people firmly support the basketball standout, arguing that he deserves another chance, while others believe his time is up.

CBB Analyst Calls Zakai Zeigler Lawsuit an “Opportunity” to Rethink NCAA Rules

Tennessee basketball star Zakai Zeigler has officially finished his eligibility with the Volunteers after the 2024-25 season. Yet, he’s now taking a bold step by suing the NCAA.

He wants to challenge the rules so he can play a fifth year of college basketball. This decision has stirred up a lot of debate. Some analysts wonder if he truly deserves another season on the court.

I love Zakai Zeigler, but he’s played a full 4 years and 138 college games.

That’s enough.

Give a college freshman an opportunity. https://t.co/WmM1JjSqQO

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 20, 2025

Former lawyer C. Ehrlich tweeted about the lawsuit, saying, “Another eligibility lawsuit has been filed against the NCAA, this time by Tennessee basketball’s Zakai Zeigler. This is something of a twist from the formula: Zeigler, who has played at UT since his true freshman year in 2021, seeks a fifth year within his eligibility window.”

At the center of this issue is the growing importance of NIL—Name, Image, and Likeness. Zeigler and his legal team argue that the NCAA’s rule blocks players from earning what they truly deserve. They claim it violates antitrust laws and limits how athletes can benefit during their eligibility years.

However, not everyone agrees with Zeigler. Basketball analyst Jeff Goodman wrote, “I love Zakai Zeigler, but he’s played a full 4 years and 138 college games. That’s enough. Give a college freshman an opportunity.”

Goodman’s point is pretty clear: since Zeigler has already completed four seasons, giving him a fifth year might block younger players from getting their chance.

During his time with Tennessee, Zeigler averaged 11.3 points and 5.4 assists per game. His senior year was his best, with 13.6 points and 7.4 assists per game. He even set a Tennessee record for assists in a season.

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This lawsuit could become a major turning point in college sports. If Zeigler wins, it might change how eligibility is handled and more athletes could stay in school longer, play more games, and maximize their NIL opportunities.