Final Four Players Impacted by Trump's 'Save College Sports' Order

Apr 5, 2026, 2:53 AM

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The landscape of college athletics could see significant changes following the recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, titled "Urgent National Action to Save College Sports." This order could impose strict eligibility rules, potentially affecting key players in the ongoing NCAA tournament, including those in the Final Four.

Under the order, student-athletes would be limited to a five-year eligibility window, with only one transfer allowed during that period without having to sit out a season, except for graduate transfers. This could have profound implications for players who have already navigated multiple transfers or extended college careers.

Key Players Affected

Several athletes from the current Final Four teams are at risk of ineligibility if these provisions were to take effect.

Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): Lendeborg, a standout player in his sixth year of college basketball, would face disqualification under the new rules. He transitioned from junior college to Division I, making him a prime example of how the order might hinder athletes seeking to extend their careers beyond the proposed five-year limit.

Nimari Burnett (Michigan): Another Michigan player, Burnett has also completed six years of eligibility. He transferred from Texas Tech to Alabama and then to Michigan as a graduate transfer. If the executive order were applied retroactively, Burnett would find himself ineligible to play in the upcoming season, as it would count as his fifth year of eligibility.

Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois): Stojakovic, a junior at Illinois, has played for three different schools in three years. Under the executive order, if he were to transfer again, he would be required to sit out a season, limiting his competitive opportunities.

Zvonimir Ivisic (Illinois): Previously at Kentucky and then Arkansas, Ivisic’s second transfer to Illinois would also make him ineligible to play if the order’s restrictions were enforced. He has emerged as a critical player for Illinois, known for his defensive prowess.

Ben Humrichous (Illinois): Like Lendeborg and Burnett, Humrichous is also in his sixth year of eligibility. He transitioned from a non-Division 1 program and has become an integral part of his team. His ability to compete would be jeopardized under the new regulations.

Implications for College Sports

The proposed executive order raises questions about the future of college athletics and the implications for student-athletes. NCAA President Charlie Baker has emphasized that any changes to college sports must be approached through a bipartisan legislative framework, highlighting the need for a stable solution to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

The potential enforcement of these eligibility restrictions could drastically alter team compositions and competitive dynamics across NCAA sports. With many players relying on extended eligibility to maximize their college experience and athletic careers, such measures could lead to increased scrutiny and debate over the fairness of college sports policies moving forward.

In conclusion, the "Save College Sports" order could reshape the participation landscape for current student-athletes, particularly those who have taken non-traditional paths through their college careers. As the NCAA and regulatory bodies evaluate these changes, the future implications for player eligibility and college sports remain uncertain.

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