Texas Guard Wins Injunction, But Longhorns Don't Have Roster Space

Eligibility is a hot topic across college sports this summer, especially for this past senior class (high school class of 2022) that wants to be grandfathered into the NCAA's new five-year rule.

The result has been numerous lawsuits featuring dozens of athletes aiming to receive a temporary injunction that would allow them an extra year to play their sport, either at their previous school or somewhere else through the transfer portal.

In Austin, the Texas Longhorns' men's basketball team appeared to be keeping a spot open for a player going through such a process, but an unexpected twist has filled up the roster just as that player is set for a return.

READ MORE: Longhorns Among Finalists for 5-Star RB As Commitment Day Arrives

Chendall Weaver was just granted an injunction that gives him a fifth year of eligibility, but he'll need to find a new home. Weaver played three years of his four seasons for the Longhorns.

Second-year head coach Sean Miller made a major recruiting splash this spring, which has, in turn, forced Weaver to change his plans.

Texas landed a commitment from top-ranked high school prospect Marcus Spears Jr., then the lefty forward announced that he'd be reclassing up to the 2026 class. Spears will move onto campus in time for this upcoming 2026-27 season, one year sooner than expected.

The Longhorns now have reached the maximum 15 players on their roster.

And while it's a group filled with high-profile newcomers, it's unfortunate to see a veteran contributor and fan-favorite be pushed out.

READ MORE: Ex Longhorns Slugger Is Already Making the Mets Look Smart

Weaver, a springy 6-3 DFW native who began his career at UT Arllington in his hometown, averaged 6.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game across three years with Texas.

"In terms of Chendall Weaver, I don't know what coach wouldn't be a fan of how he plays," Miller said last season. "He's so selfless with the way he impacts defense, offense, I thought he made a huge difference in the end of Texas’ season, when he started to play again."

With news of his injunction, Miller spoke to KXAN in Austin about how Weaver is no longer in the team's plans.

"We don't have a scholarship," the coach said. "That has nothing to do with Chendall. That has everything to do with we have 15 [scholarships] and we've used all 15."

Miller's roster features a crop of five transfers and six freshmen. The Longhorns also bring back Lithuanian center Matas Vokietaitis as the key piece of continuity from last year, Miller's first season as the head coach.