Missouri Defensive Tackle Sterling Webb Wins Court Ruling, Gains NCAA Eligibility

Defensive tackle Sterling Webb has been officially declared eligible to compete for the Missouri Tigers following a judge’s decision on Wednesday to reject the NCAA’s request to lift a temporary restraining order.

Webb, a key presence on Missouri’s defensive front, started eight games for the Tigers last season and appeared in three contests during the 2024 campaign, having previously spent two seasons at New Mexico State.

The decision comes just one week after Webb was awarded an additional year of eligibility through a lawsuit against the NCAA. The lawsuit centers on a recent rule change granting athletes five years of eligibility within a five-year window. As a 2022 high school graduate, Webb had initially been excluded from this transitional provision.

Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz had already welcomed Webb back to practice in July amid the ongoing legal proceedings, expressing his acceptance of Webb’s decision to challenge the NCAA. “He is doing what he thinks is best for him,” Drinkwitz stated at the time.

The 25th-ranked Tigers are set to open their season on Thursday at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. While Drinkwitz acknowledged the court ruling, he remained noncommittal about whether Webb would see immediate playing time, noting the team had been cautiously easing him back into practice.

Drinkwitz received the news of the St. Louis County judge’s ruling during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.

“I’m just trying to figure out who’s eligible for our games — tomorrow,” Drinkwitz remarked.

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