NCAA Won Appeal Over Athlete Eligibility

Swimmers Kristina Paegle and Levi Sandidge remain ineligible for a fifth year of NCAA competition.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Swimming

Abstract editorial sports illustration of a swimmer in motion, using University of Kentucky blue and white color fields to represent collegiate athletic competition. — The NCAA successfully won an appeal in a Kentucky court, ruling that student-athletes Kristina Paegle and Levi Sandidge are ineligible for a fifth year of competition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The NCAA successfully won an appeal in a Kentucky court that impacts student-athlete eligibility rules for the upcoming season. Swimmers Kristina Paegle and Levi Sandidge, who were plaintiffs in the lawsuit Wells vs. NCAA, have lost their eligibility for a fifth year of competition.

Why it matters

The ruling settles a legal challenge aimed at allowing athletes who graduated last season to compete for an additional year under a five-for-five eligibility model. This outcome directly impacts the roster status for athletes at institutions like the University of Kentucky and Indiana University.

A Kentucky court ruling concluded the case for student-athletes including Levi Sandidge, who finished 3rd in the 1650 free, and Kristina Paegle, who previously helped Indiana University relays to top eight finishes. The decision stands in contrast to a separate Indiana ruling.

The players

NCAA

The national governing body responsible for organizing collegiate athletic programs and setting eligibility standards.

Kristina Paegle

A collegiate swimmer from Indiana University who earned top finishes in the 50 and 100 free events.

Levi Sandidge

A collegiate swimmer from the University of Kentucky who finished 3rd in the 1650 free.

The details

The lawsuit, Wells vs. NCAA, sought to force the governing body to grandfather athletes into a five-for-five eligibility model. This system was designed to provide students who had already graduated with an extra year of athletic participation. The court ultimately sided with the NCAA, maintaining current restrictions that prevent these specific athletes from returning to the collegiate level.

Mid-August 2026: The lawsuit Wells vs. NCAA was filed.
Early September 2026: Additional athletes joined the lawsuit.
Last week: Kristina Paegle swam at CSL Match #1.
October 2, 2026: The NCAA won the appeal in Kentucky.

Health Landscape

This ruling clarifies the regulatory boundaries of the Wells vs. NCAA litigation regarding collegiate sports eligibility. It distinguishes the legal requirements for participation from previous rulings that granted exceptions to other athletes.

This development impacts the athletic opportunities available to college students aiming for extended participation. Athletes and families should monitor institutional updates and speak with a coach regarding how specific eligibility rulings influence their training plans.

The takeaway

The court decision underscores the current limitations on extending collegiate athletic eligibility beyond standard parameters. Student-athletes should keep track of their personal eligibility status and confirm specific university or association policies with their athletics department.