USC Trojans News: Update On Wild DJ Wingfield Lawsuit, Season In Jeopardy

It has been a bit of a roller coaster for offensive lineman DJ Wingfield after he transferred to the USC Trojans.

When the NCAA announced a new waiver exemption for players who played at least a year of non-NCAA football (primarily for JUCO players), Wingfield believed that he would be granted another year of eligibility.

Unfortunately, his situation has not been cleared, and his waiver was recently denied, putting his season with the Trojans at risk and would, thus, end his college career.

Wingfield has taken one final Hail Mary in an attempt to play for the Cardinal and Gold this year.

USC Trojans OL DJ Wingfield Files Lawsuit Against NCAA

According to Pete Nakos of On3, Wingfield and his attorney Darren Heitner have officially filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in an attempt to earn an extra year of playing eligibility. The lawsuit claims that Wingfield is estimated to make $210,000 to play for the USC Trojans this season, according to the complaint filed.

While USC never releases an official depth chart until the season draws closer, Wingfield was viewed as the likely starting left guard. The Trojans have plenty of youth and talent in the OL room, but losing Wingfield would certainly be a big blow.

Lincoln Riley was asked about the situation at Big Ten Media Day last week, in which he replied, “No specific updates on DJ right now. The process is ongoing right now. I wish I could comment a little more, but it’s one of those that we’ve got to let play out.”

Check Out Our USC Trojans Merch Before The Season Begins!

Wingfield practiced with the team during spring camp, but his waiver was denied at the end of March. At the current time, he will not be allowed to practice with the Trojans during Fall Camp until a resolution is found.

Wingfield began his collegiate football career at El Camino Junior College, where he played 22 games. He transferred to New Mexico as a junior, but ended up redshirting after getting injured and only playing in one game.

He played nine games during his redshirt junior season and then transferred to Purdue for his redshirt senior season last year.

If he is able to win his lawsuit, Wingfield will be able to join the Trojans immediately and play out his final collegiate season. If not, his college career will be over, and USC will be turning to its youth and depth to fill the left guard spot.

Fall Camp begins on Wednesday. The team will hope for clarity as quickly as possible.