What’s Next for WVU’s Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan After NCAA Granted Stay

One day players are eligible, the next day they're not, then the following day they might be. It's a confusing time in college sports right now, and everyone is still searching for clarity as the new school year begins.

Some major news dropped Friday morning as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NCAA a stay of the Colorado ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney that gave the entire class of 2022 a fifth year of eligibility.

So, what does this mean for WVU's Brenen Lorient and Javan Buchanan?

Brenen Lorient, Javan Buchanan — Imagn Images, WVU Athletics Communications

Right now, Lorient, Buchanan, and every other player in their shoes are ineligible. But all hope is not lost for the two veteran forwards.

Earlier this month, both players filed suit against the NCAA in U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia. If they are granted a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order (TRO), then they will be eligible to play for the Mountaineers in 2026-27.

For now, their 2026-27 eligibility comes down to the judge presiding over their case in West Virginia. The courts have been kind to student-athletes in similar cases in previous years in the state, and with Lorient and Buchanan's situation, both of whom are seeking a true fifth year, you'd have to assume they have a strong case.

It would be a little different if they had redshirted a year or missed a season due to injury and were trying for a sixth or seventh year to play their fifth season, but they're not. This is a straight-up five-for-five case, which is the opportunity that every student-athlete from the 2023 class on will have.

In one way or another, the result of Lorient's eligibility fight changes expectations

Brenen Lorient — WVU Athletics Communications

If Lorient is granted a TRO and can play for the Mountaineers this upcoming season, it's reasonable to think that West Virginia could compete for a spot in the top five or so of the Big 12 Conference. They would have more experience, leadership, and a versatile player at the four spot who can defend one through five.

Without him, it gets a little tricky, especially if Javan Buchanan is not a part of the equation. Without getting too much into lineups and rotations, you're probably playing someone a little out of position to fill out your starting five. Utah transfer Seydou Traore would be the logical candidate, considering he played there for the Utes last season. In a perfect world, he's the backup at the three to Joson Sanon.

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