URI football players lose court fight for extra year of eligibility
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SOUTH KINGSTOWN – A motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction involving two University of Rhode Island football players has been denied in Washington County Superior Court.
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Rams edge rusher AJ Peña and defensive back Justin Carcel were both seeking a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA in accordance with the organization's amended bylaws, which were formally adopted Aug. 1. Judge Sarah Taft-Carter issued her ruling in the case Thursday, Oct. 8.
"Plaintiffs clearly are dedicated young men who have had outstanding collegiate football careers," Taft-Carter wrote in part. "Nothing in this decision should diminish their accomplishments. The Court recognizes their respective achievements and is sympathetic toward each because of the consequences of this decision.
"However, after a complete analysis, this Court concludes that plaintiffs’ requests for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction are denied."
Peña and Carcel were both seeking inclusion in the NCAA's new 5-in-5 statutes, which were adopted over the summer. The organization will offer five seasons of eligibility in five years beginning with the Class of 2023. The NCAA did away with redshirts, hardship waivers or medical waivers that previously could have secured additional years of eligibility beyond a regular college term.
"The issues presented before this Court arise out of conduct which occurred in Rhode Island and involve residents of Rhode Island," Taft-Carter wrote in part. "The plaintiffs are student-athletes at URI and allege a violation under Rhode Island law.
"This Court, having reviewed the substance and issues involved in this action, declines to exercise its discretion to stay this proceeding."
Peña suffered a knee injury during the 2025 season, but Taft-Carter noted his pursuit of professional opportunities both with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League and through a rookie minicamp invitation from the Baltimore Ravens. Carcel was offered a coaching position at Keiser University – the program he left after three years to join URI in 2025 – but turned it down "to gain film, statistics, development, and exposure for a chance to play professional football."
Peña is the all-time leader with the Rams in both sacks and tackles for loss. His pair of All-American seasons coincided with URI capturing a pair of Coastal Athletic Association championships and securing two Football Championship Subdivision playoff berths. Carcel played in 13 games for the Rams last season, totaling 39 tackles and a pair of interceptions during a second straight 11-3 campaign.
"Plaintiffs’ aspirations are truly amazing," Taft-Carter wrote. "However, these continued aspirations are speculative."
This decision comes after Taft-Carter ruled against Providence College men's soccer player Cameron Yriondo in Providence Superior Court. Yriondo was seeking a fifth year of eligibility with the Friars after two years at Seattle Pacific, one with Virginia and one with Providence in 2025-26. Taft-Carter cited Yriondo's brief pursuit of a professional opportunity in Spain and his decision to rejoin Providence after the NCAA bylaws had taken hold as two factors in her decision.
The Friars have opted for both a different venue and legal argument when it comes to men's basketball players Joseph Pinion and Derek Simpson. Both filed federal antitrust lawsuits Thursday in the state branch of U.S. District Court and added requests for temporary restraining orders which would allow them to become immediately eligible with Providence. Like Peña and Carcel, both Pinion and Simpson are seeking a fifth year of eligibility to compete in 2026-27.
Pinion is a transfer from South Florida who previously played under Providence coach Bryan Hodgson at both Arkansas State and the Bulls. Simpson is a transfer from Saint Joseph's who spent two years with Rutgers before jumping to the Hawks for the last two seasons. He was named to the Atlantic 10 all-conference team in 2025-26.
URI is off to a 3-3 start after its 13-10 victory over Brown in the annual Governor's Cup meeting. The Rams are in the midst of their bye week and will make the short trip to Yale next Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: URI football players lose court fight for extra year of eligibility