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Court denies NCAA appeal, rules Missouri DT Sterling Webb eligible

By Thomson Reuters Sep 2, 2026 | 1:21 PM

By Field Level Media

Sep 02 (Field Level Media) – Defensive tackle Sterling Webb is eligible to play for ​Missouri after a judge denied ‌the NCAA’s motion to dismiss a temporary restraining order on Wednesday.

Webb started eight games for Missouri last season and three in ‌2024 ​after playing two seasons ⁠at New Mexico ⁠State.

Webb was granted an additional year of college eligibility last week after suing the NCAA over a new ​rule in place granting college athletes five years of eligibility in ⁠five years. A ⁠2022 high school graduate, Webb ​was excluded from the transition group.

Head coach ​Eli Drinkwitz welcomed Webb back to ‌practice in July while the courtroom drama played out, saying he accepted Webb was “doing what he thinks is ⁠best for him.”

No. 25 Missouri begins the season on Thursday against visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Drinkwitz ⁠didn’t ‌commit to playing Webb after ⁠easing him into practices.

Drinkwitz ​learned ‌of the decision made by ​a judge ⁠in St. Louis County, Missouri, during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.

“I’m just trying to figure out who’s eligible for our games — tomorrow,” Drinkwitz said.

(–Field ​Level Media)