A Cook County Circuit Court judge has granted Northwestern University center Jackson Carsello an injunction restoring his eligibility to compete in the 2026 college football season. The decision, issued Monday by Judge Neil Cohen, follows Carsello’s legal challenge against the NCAA, which had denied his request for an additional year of eligibility earlier this spring.

Carsello, who has been a key player for Northwestern, started all 13 games in the previous season as well as the final eight games in 2024. His 2026 eligibility was in question after the NCAA rejected his waiver application, citing that the 2021 season should count as his redshirt year because they deemed him healthy enough to play. However, Carsello had played only four games in 2022, which is the maximum allowed for maintaining redshirt status. In 2021, he was sidelined due to an ankle injury despite participating in team practices.

The court ruling found in favor of Carsello, allowing him an additional season of competition. This decision provides Northwestern and its new offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, an opportunity to field Carsello for another year.

Northwestern responded positively to the injunction, sharing a video of Carsello in action on social media with the message, “He’s back.”

The legal dispute highlights ongoing tensions between collegiate athletes and the NCAA regarding eligibility rules and medical redshirts. While the NCAA maintains its position that Carsello’s injury season should count against his eligibility, the court’s injunction supersedes the NCAA’s ruling for the time being, enabling the player to participate in the upcoming season.