Zakai Zeigler preliminary injunction for eligibility denied

In May, Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler filed a lawsuit, seeking a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA. On Thursday, On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Zeigler’s preliminary injunction has been denied.

Last week, the NCAA responded to Zeigler’s initial motion by requesting a federal judge to deny the former All-SEC First-Team selection’s preliminary injunction. Evidently, the judge adhered to the NCAA’s motion.

In his lawsuit, Zeigler alleged the NCAA’s rule that permits four seasons of eligibility within a five-year eligibility window “is an unlawful restraint of trade under federal and state antitrust laws.” Nonetheless, the federal judge disagreed.

Litson PLLC and Garza Law Firm represented Zeigler in the lawsuit. Based on analysis from Spyre Sports Group, an NIL collective that Tennessee works with, Zeigler’s legal team projected a fifth season for the two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year to be worth between $2 million and $4 million.

This is the big one: A Tennessee court denies a preliminary injunction in the eligibility case brought by Tennessee basketball player Zakai Zeigler. pic.twitter.com/2Cr3xqvMci

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) June 12, 2025

Unfortunately for Zakai Zeigler, it currently appears he won’t get take advantage of that lucrative opportunity. Zeigler spent four years at Tennessee, where he amassed 138 appearances and 83 starts. He never played fewer than 30 games in a season at Tennessee.

He finishes his career at Tennessee as one of the most accomplished players in program history. He boasts Tennessee’s all-time career records in assists and steals. Additionally, he is tied with teammate Jahmai Mashack for the most career wins by a Volunteer.

Additionally, Zeigler compiled 13 points/assists double-doubles during his career, eight more than any other player in Tennessee history. He finished 18th on the program’s all-time scoring list.

In his final campaign at Tennessee, Zeigler averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from the field and 32.2% from beyond the arc. For his efforts, he was named a Third-Team All-American by numerous outlets.

Fueled by Zeigler’s fantastic play and leadership, Tennessee made its second consecutive Elite Eight appearance. For reference, the school has only reached the Elite Eight three times. After Tennessee’s season-ending loss against Houston, Zeigler reflected on his time with the Volunteers.

“Coming into Knoxville, I didn’t have any expectations for anything like that. All I did was ask Coach Barnes for a chance and he gave it to me,” Zeigler said. “The mark that they left on me and my family, they changed our lives, really. I’m just so thankful for each and every person that’s a part of Vol Nation.

“I’m so thankful for the coaches, so thankful for my teammates, so thankful for everybody that’s part of Tennessee as a whole. Accolades, I couldn’t do anything like that without my teammates. I couldn’t do anything like that without my coaches. The mark that Tennessee has left on me is really crazy to just think about. It’s been the best four years of my life.”