Legal Ruling Allows Former College Players to Join Michigan Wolverines

Recently, the Michigan Wolverines have been given legal clearance to potentially add two new players to their football roster during the season. The players in question are Alex Bauman, a former Miami Hurricanes tight end, and Jeremiah Earby, a former Boise State defensive back. Thanks to a temporary restraining order from a Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge, these players are now eligible to play this season.

Legal Paths and Enrollment

Alex Bauman and Jeremiah Earby are reportedly enrolled at Michigan. A judge in Michigan granted them the ability to join the university’s roster. This move was facilitated by a restraining order that allowed them both to enter the transfer portal.

Under Big Ten conference rules, neither Bauman nor Earby had signed with an NFL team, making them eligible for return to college football. For Earby, last season with Boise State recorded 60 tackles, but no professional opportunities emerged, leading him to sue for an additional college season. Bauman, part of the Miami Hurricanes 2025 team, had played earlier at Tulane, culminating in a successful 2024 season that brought him to Miami.

Pending Decisions

Currently, both players are enrolled at Michigan but have not yet officially signed with the Wolverines. Michigan’s head coach, Kyle Whittingham, will decide on their addition to a team standing at 3-2 as they prepare for a match against Penn State.

The Decision to Enroll

These legal movements have broader implications, as other athletes have received similar court rulings. However, the final decision to roster these players rests with the universities involved. The legal cases often arise within local jurisdictions where the schools are based.

NCAA’s Reaction

For the NCAA, the prevalence of these court rulings presents challenges, as new eligibility guidelines sparked lawsuits from 2022 class members feeling unfairly singled out. With the evolving landscape of college sports, the NCAA must continue addressing these legal battles in courtrooms, illustrating the complex environment of college athletics in 2026.