Breaking news for Texas A&M basketball fans: Rashaun Agee has won a temporary victory in his eligibility battle, but the fight isn't over!
Multiple sources confirm that a Brazos County judge has issued a temporary restraining order, allowing Aggies player Rashaun Agee to compete this season. This is a significant development, but it's crucial to understand the details and what's at stake.
According to reports, the judge's decision provides Agee with immediate eligibility. However, the situation could change. As senior Texas A&M sportswriter Travis Brown noted, the case might still go to trial if the NCAA doesn't reconsider its initial denial of Agee's waiver. This means the temporary win could be overturned, and Agee's eligibility remains uncertain in the long run.
During the proceedings, Agee and head coach Bucky McMillan testified. Agee revealed that more than just playing time was on the line; a staggering $1.2 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) funding hinges on his eligibility. Agee, now 21 years old, cannot receive this payment unless he is cleared to play this season.
But here's where it gets controversial... The core of Agee's case revolves around his 2019-20 season. His legal team argues that his eligibility clock shouldn't have started then because he didn't actually compete. He was enrolled at New Mexico State and Casper, a junior college, during that time. They cited a precedent set by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility under the NCAA JUCO rule. Pavia played at New Mexico Military Institute in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
The JUCO rule, introduced as a temporary waiver in late 2024, allows student-athletes who played at a junior college or another non-NCAA institution and would have exhausted their eligibility after the 2024-2025 academic year to gain an extra year. This rule is central to Agee's case.
Throughout his college career, Agee has demonstrated his skills, scoring 1,058 points and grabbing 650 rebounds over three seasons at USC and Bowling Green. He's expected to be a key player on the retooled A&M roster under Coach McMillan, who inherited a team with only one scholarship athlete upon his arrival and has since added over a dozen more.
With the temporary restraining order in place, Agee can continue practicing with A&M and is expected to play in games. The Aggies' first game of the season is scheduled for November 3 against Northwestern State. This is a crucial time for the team and Agee's future with them.
What do you think? Do you believe the NCAA should reconsider Agee's waiver? Is the JUCO rule fair? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's discuss!
