Northwestern center Jackson Carsello’s eligibility for 2026 was restored by a court injunction Monday after the NCAA denied his request for a waiver this spring.
Cook County Circuit Judge Neil Cohen ruled that Carsello, who started all 13 games last season and the final eight games of 2024, is entitled to an extra season of competition. Carsello played in four games in 2022, the maximum allowed in order to redshirt. He was ruled not healthy enough to play because of an ankle injury in 2021, when he practiced with the team.
The NCAA ruled the 2021 season should have counted as Carsello’s redshirt season, arguing he was healthy enough to have played.
Cohen’s ruling means Carsello will have the opportunity to return for another year under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly.
Northwestern celebrated the injunction on social media by posting, “He’s back,” with a video of Carsello in action.
ESPN first reported the court’s ruling.