Preliminary Injunction Keeps Baylor's Powell in Position to Potentially Play in 2026-27

Baylor basketball big man Caden Powell and 14 other Division I college basketball players have been granted a preliminary injunction by an Ohio judge, clearing the way for them to play if the 2026-27 season started today; Rebound Rundown’s Paul Fritschner first broke the news on X/Twitter.

However, the “Case Management Conference” is set for Aug. 4, meaning a ruling on the fate of Powell and the 14 other players will likely be issued before the season starts in November. While this is most definitely good news and a step in the right direction, it is far from a done deal and doesn’t necessarily mean Powell will be cleared or guarantee that he will play for the Bears this season.

The NCAA has recently approved an age-based eligibility model, allowing athletes to compete in their sport for five years, starting from their high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

This change eliminates redshirt seasons and eligibility waivers, except in rare circumstances, and would go into effect in the 2026-27 athletic year. Powell and the 14 other players, however, were fourth-year seniors in 2025-26 and didn’t have an opportunity to play a fifth season; hence, they filed a lawsuit to be able to play this upcoming year.

Originally from Waco, Texas, Powell played at Midway High School and started 63 games across his first three collegiate seasons at Wyoming and Rice. He transferred to Baylor last offseason and appeared in 34 games, including 20 starts, averaging 6.9 points (67.2 FG%), 6.3 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game.

The Bears were incredibly thin at the center position last year as the 6-foot-9 Powell played the bulk of the minutes, with Juslin Bodo Bodo and Mayo Soyoye both redshirting. For 2026-27, Bodo Bodo (6-foot-10) and Soyoye (6-foot-10) will return, and UAB transfer Evan Chatman (6-foot-8) can play the five, if necessary.