Could Melvin Council Return for Another Season? February 10 Might Hold the Answer
Melvin Council Jr. has been a force in Lawrence this season - a relentless two-way guard with a chip on his shoulder and a motor that doesn’t quit. But as the calendar flips toward February, one big question looms over Allen Fieldhouse: Could we see The Dawg back in crimson and blue next year?
It’s not a simple yes or no. But here’s the key: there is a path. And it runs straight through a courtroom on February 10.
Let’s break down what’s going on, what’s at stake, and why Kansas fans should be watching that date as closely as any Big 12 matchup.
Why Council Was Eligible This Season in the First Place
On paper, Council already used up his four years of eligibility - two at the JUCO level, followed by two at Division I programs. That would normally be the end of the road.
But this season, the NCAA granted a one-time blanket waiver following a federal court ruling in favor of Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, who successfully challenged the NCAA’s long-standing rule that JUCO years count toward the four-year eligibility limit.
Rather than fight a wave of similar lawsuits, the NCAA took a preventative route: it allowed a one-time exemption for players like Council - JUCO transfers who had technically exhausted their eligibility after the 2024-25 season. That’s how Council ended up on the floor for Kansas this year, and why 15,000-plus fans have been barking in the Phog every night he suits up.
Originally, this season was supposed to be Council’s last dance. But a new legal development could shift everything.
February 10: The Court Date That Could Change It All
Mark your calendar. On February 10, a federal judge - the same one who ruled in favor of Pavia - will hear arguments from a group of players challenging the same JUCO eligibility rule again.
If the judge rules similarly, it could set off another wave of pressure on the NCAA to act. But here’s the catch: Council isn’t part of this new group of plaintiffs. So even if the players win, the ruling won’t directly apply to him.
Still, a favorable decision would put the NCAA in a familiar position - facing the choice of either issuing another blanket waiver or bracing for another round of legal battles.
Council’s Three Possible Paths After February 10
Let’s walk through the scenarios that could unfold for Council once the ruling drops:
1. The NCAA Grants Another Blanket Waiver
This is the cleanest and most direct route. If the plaintiffs win and the NCAA decides it’s easier to avoid chaos by going broad again, Council could be granted another year without lifting a finger.
It’s the same playbook the NCAA used last time - avoid a legal avalanche by giving everyone in a similar situation a free year. If that happens again, Council’s return becomes very real.
2. Council Files His Own Legal Challenge
If the plaintiffs win but the NCAA doesn’t offer a blanket waiver this time, Council would need to take matters into his own hands. That means filing a separate legal challenge, using the new ruling as a precedent.
It’s a longer and messier route, with no guarantees - but it’s still a viable path if he wants to fight for another season.
3. No Waiver, No Extension
If the court sides with the NCAA or the case fizzles out, the traditional rules remain in place. Council’s eligibility would end with this season, and any attempt to extend it would require a fresh legal battle - one that starts from scratch, with unclear timelines and outcomes.
What’s the Likely Outcome?
Right now, Council’s shot at returning hinges almost entirely on how the NCAA responds to the court’s decision. If the judge rules in favor of the players again, the pressure will be on.
But here’s the wrinkle: the NCAA has reportedly signaled that it doesn’t want to issue another blanket waiver. That was the thinking last time too - until the courts forced their hand.
The difference now? A second waiver wouldn’t just be damage control.
It would start to look like a shift in policy. And the NCAA doesn’t like being pushed into that corner.
So, Council’s chances rest on whether the NCAA blinks again - or whether he’s willing to take the fight to them himself.
What’s Next for Kansas Fans?
For now, enjoy every moment of Council’s senior season. He’s been a tone-setter, a sparkplug, and a leader for this Kansas squad. But keep your eyes on February 10 - because depending on how that hearing goes, we might not have seen the last of The Dawg in Lawrence.
Whether it’s the NCAA backing down again or Council stepping up to challenge the system, one thing’s clear: this story isn’t over yet.