AMES - Tamin Lipsey got another significant legal break on Friday, and this one could keep him on the floor all season.
Indiana’s Court of Appeals turned down the NCAA’s request to fast-track its appeal in the Monroe County, Ind., eligibility case, a move that leaves the athletes in the case - Lipsey among them - in position to be eligible for the rest of the year. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report the development.
That comes at a key moment for No. 18 Iowa State, which opens its 2026-27 season Monday against Memphis at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD.
Lipsey’s status had been one of the biggest questions surrounding the Cyclones, but this ruling makes it look increasingly likely he’ll be available for the full season with T.J. Otzelberger’s team.
Other legal developments could still change that picture.
The appeals court rejected the NCAA’s motion for a shortened timetable and expedited briefing schedule, which would have pushed the case forward much faster. Had that happened, the court could have revisited circuit court Judge Kara Krothe’s injunction in favor of the athletes.
Lipsey’s return already showed up on the court Sunday. He sat out Iowa State’s exhibition against Creighton, then came back and made an impact against Northwestern, finishing with 14 points and seven assists in 18 minutes as the Cyclones rolled to a big win.
The latest ruling also helps Iowa State’s guard rotation as the season arrives. With Killyan Toure still dealing with a shoulder injury, Otzelberger does not have to feel pressure to hurry him back. Transfer guard JaQuan Johnson adds another layer of depth, while Lipsey and Jamarion Batemon give the Cyclones more options as Batemon continues building toward a larger role off the ball.
Iowa State’s next test comes Monday night against Memphis, and the matchup brings a new look for Penny Hardaway’s team. The Tigers do not return a scholarship player from last season, after finishing 13-19 overall and 8-10 in the American Athletic Conference.
Hardaway rebuilt the roster with experienced former high-major players such as Dug McDaniel and Aaron Bradshaw, though McDaniel carries baggage and Bradshaw has not yet matched his five-star billing. Northwestern transfer guard Jayden Reid and Southern Miss transfer Tylik Williams could also matter.
Memphis was picked second in the AAC preseason coaches’ poll and received four first-place votes, but Iowa State enters as about a 12.5-point favorite.
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