Judge keeps Missouri's Sterling Webb eligible days before season opener

A St. Louis County judge denied the NCAA’s motion to dismiss a temporary restraining order, keeping defensive tackle Sterling Webb eligible to play for Missouri ahead of the Tigers’ season opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The ruling stems from Webb’s challenge to an NCAA eligibility change that allows “five in five” competition but adds a transition condition that Webb argues unfairly targets the high school Class of 2022. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz learned of the decision shortly before game week and said the focus immediately shifted to confirming Webb’s status. Webb had been granted the restraining order in late July and has been practicing since, with the court order barring Missouri from interfering with his participation as long as he remains academically and athletically eligible. The case reflects broader unrest and ongoing litigation from athletes challenging the NCAA’s new eligibility structure as seasons approach with rosters still uncertain.