Vanderbilt Star Leading Challenge of NCAA Eligibility Rule

Even though Pavia is not involved with the case, there is a connection between the two teammates. Patterson and company are using Attorney Ryan Downton as the co-lead counsel.

If Patterson's lawsuit prevails, college athletes could play for six years if they take a redshirt.

Downton was the attorney that Pavia used when he challenged the NCAA's eligibility rule regarding players with JUCO experience. Before the lawsuit, the NCAA's four-year eligibility clock started once a player began JUCO.

Pavia played for the New Mexico Military Institute from 2020-21 before transferring to New Mexico in 2022. The court ruled in favor of Pavia and allowed him to have an extra season.

The Vanderbilt linebacker helped lead his team to a 45-3 blowout of Charleston Southern in Week 1. He accounted for two total tackles in the win.

The top game in Week 1 was No. 1 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus. Things did not go well for the Longhorns, with Arch Manning finishing with a disappointing 170 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 14-7 loss.

Texas became the first preseason No. 1 team to lose its season opener since Miami in 1990. However, after the game, head coach Steve Sarkisian was in good spirits and believed his team could recover after the disappointing result.

Vanderbilt looks to keep things going against Virginia Tech in Week 2. Kickoff is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network.