Nevada baseball player Noah Blythe has filed an emergency motion in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada seeking to halt the NCAA’s enforcement of its five-year eligibility rule. The Wolf Pack open their season this Friday, February 13, against Ole Miss, a game Blythe hoped would be his NCAA Division I debut.
A Complex Path to Eligibility
Blythe’s college baseball career began in 2021 at Hawaii Pacific, followed by three years at Antelope Valley, and a return to Hawaii Pacific in 2025. His five seasons were impacted by circumstances outside his control: a partial season due to COVID-19 in 2021, a broken hand in 2023, and the closure of Antelope Valley in 2024 after the school ceased operations due to financial constraints.
Despite having only played two full seasons at NCAA member schools – Hawaii Pacific being a Division II institution – the NCAA has denied Blythe’s request for a waiver, citing its five-year rule. This rule stipulates that athletes have five years to complete four seasons of eligibility, beginning when they first enroll in a full-time course load.
Legal Challenge and Previous Cases
Representing Blythe are Reno-based lawyers Steven A. Caloiaro and Mackenzie E. Robinson of Dickinson Wright PLLC. Caloiaro stated that the NCAA “should not be permitted to punish Noah” for playing outside the organization. A hearing is scheduled for Friday, potentially allowing Blythe to join the Wolf Pack roster, though he is currently enrolled in classes at the university but has not been able to practice with the team.
This case echoes a similar situation from July, when former Nevada football player Cortez Braham Jr. Secured an injunction for a seventh season of eligibility through the same court. The NCAA previously granted an extra year of eligibility to athletes from junior colleges and NAIA institutions following a lawsuit involving a Vanderbilt quarterback.
Blythe, a 6-foot-3 outfielder, was a standout player at Hawaii Pacific in 2025, hitting .443 with 15 home runs and earning PacWest Player of the Year honors. He had hoped to translate that success to the Division I level with Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCAA’s five-year rule?
The five-year rule states that a college athlete has five years to play four seasons of eligibility. The clock begins when the athlete enrolls in a full-time course load, regardless of whether they attend an NCAA, NAIA, or junior college.
Why was Blythe’s waiver request denied?
The source does not state why Blythe’s waiver request was denied, only that it was “informally denied” and no formal written decision was issued.
What is at stake for Blythe if he is not granted eligibility?
According to Caloiaro, denying Blythe eligibility deprives him of opportunities associated with Division I baseball, including potential Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, exposure to professional leagues, and access to high-quality coaching and training.
As the court considers Blythe’s motion, the question remains: will the NCAA’s rules allow this athlete to pursue his baseball dreams at the University of Nevada?
