A federal court ruling in Colorado has opened the door for two former Virginia defenders to potentially play one more college season.
Former Cavaliers defensive end Cazeem Moore is weighing a return for a final year of eligibility, his representative told 247Sports’ Chris Hummer. Defensive tackle Jacob Holmes is also exploring that option. The ruling gives both players a possible path back onto the field, though where that path leads remains unsettled.
Virginia is among the schools that could be in play. With fall camps already underway across the country, programs are now trying to sort out what the ruling means and whether they can fit in players who suddenly have another season available. Holmes is a notable case because UVA lost Zion Wilson this summer after his waiver was denied by the NCAA.
Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of Colorado issued a class-wide preliminary injunction on Friday that requires the NCAA to declare eligible all members of the 2022 high school recruiting class who exhausted four seasons of eligibility following the 2025 season. The decision effectively restores a year of eligibility for a group of players whose careers had seemed finished, and it comes just weeks before the start of the 2026 season.
Moore and Holmes both fall within the scope of that order.
Moore joined Virginia before the 2025 season after a strong run at Elon, where he became one of the more sought-after Group of Five-to-Power Four transfers in the portal. His length, athleticism and pass-rushing skill made him a hot commodity before he ultimately landed with the Cavaliers.
He played in every game last season and totaled 18 tackles, including three sacks, while giving Virginia useful depth and experience off the edge.
Holmes, like Moore, is part of the 2022 recruiting class and appears to meet the eligibility criteria in Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s injunction. He arrived on Grounds ahead of the 2025 season after transferring from Fresno State, and he could have the chance to return for one more year if he decides to pursue it.
Holmes was a major part of Virginia’s defensive front during the Cavaliers’ 11-win season. He started all 14 games and finished with 33 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks, giving the defense a steady presence in the middle.
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