Maybe we haven't seen the last of Tennessee basketball superstar and fan favorite Zakai Zeigler with the program after all? In a truly stunning turn of events, it has been reported that Zeigler, originally out of college eligibility, is suing the NCAA in hopes of playing one more season with the Vols.
That's right, Zeigler is going all-in to get one more year of hoops under his belt under the guidance of Rick Barnes, which is something none of us thought would be possible. As part of his lawsuit, Zeigler and his legal reps are claiming that a player only having four years to play for their five-year clock is an "unlawful restraint of trade under federal and state antitrust laws."
Tennessee PG Zakai Zeigler is suing the NCAA over an extra year of eligibility
Zeigler has requested an immediate injunction, which would indeed let him lace up his sneakers and take the hardwood for Tennessee next campaign. It goes without saying, but Zeigler is beloved all over Knoxville and countless fans weren't ready to say goodbye to him yet.
Now, the window, albeit small, has opened for Zeigler to have one last dance with the Vols in 2025-26. Obviously, getting the standout PG back on the floor as a general for Tennessee would be sensational news for Barnes and his staff.
With Chaz Lanier, a projected second-round pick in the NBA Draft, gone, Barnes and his staff would gladly take any experience and veteran leadership they can get. Zeigler offers that and so much more, as he can bury shots from all over the court, while he's also a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
For now, everyone is going to be sitting on pins and needles for any kind of an update on ZZ. Should he return next campaign, Tennessee would be in great shape, improving an already pretty stacked group. Landing 5-star PF Nate Ament and transfer Ja'kobi Gillespie was awesome, but bringing Zeigler back might lead to a parade this spring. Stay tuned, as more updates are surely on the way here.