HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The Southern Miss football program received a vital boost Friday morning as the Forrest County Chancery Court granted a crucial injunction for three veteran players, clearing the way for them to remain on the field for the duration of the 2026 season.
The court’s ruling provides immediate legal protection for Greg Nunnery Jr., Jameer Lewis, and Aloali’i Maui, extending the terms of a previous temporary restraining order through the duration of their upcoming trial, which is currently slated to begin in January. By granting this injunction, the court has ensured that the trio can continue to practice and compete for the Golden Eagles without the threat of immediate eligibility interference.
The legal standing of the three players had been cast into uncertainty following a decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which stayed a nationwide preliminary injunction that had previously granted members of the 2022 high school graduating class an additional year of eligibility. In the wake of that ruling, the Forrest County Chancery Court intervened, siding with the players after finding that they would suffer “immediate and irreparable harm” should they be sidelined while the case progressed.
The court further acknowledged the university’s support for the athletes, noting that Southern Miss has roster spots reserved for them and has already committed to their revenue-sharing compensation packages.
Representing the players in the ongoing litigation are P. Manion Anderson and Ethan G. Zadrozny of McHard Anderson, PLLC, alongside Paul David Walley Jr. of Walley & Montgomery, PLLC. While this victory provides immediate relief for the athletes and the coaching staff, the broader legal battle remains far from resolved. The NCAA has contested the injunction and is expected to move forward with an emergency appeal.
For head coach and the Golden Eagles roster, the timing of the ruling could not be better. The team is currently looking to right the ship and build momentum as they head into a pivotal matchup this weekend in New Orleans against Tulane.
Notably, offensive lineman Greg Nunnery Jr., who was forced to miss last week’s contest against UConn due to an injury, is expected to return to the lineup for the “Battle for the Bell” clash.
While the legal saga surrounding collegiate eligibility continues to play out in the courtroom, Friday’s development offers a sigh of relief for Southern Miss fans. For now, the focus shifts back to the gridiron at Yulman Stadium, where the Golden Eagles aim to secure a victory. Southern Miss Golden Eagles On SI will be on-site in New Orleans to provide full coverage and live updates throughout the weekend.
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