Utah basketball’s Trey Campbell granted TRO, eligible to compete
Oct 7, 2026, 8:03 PM
Trey Campbell at Utah practice. Photo courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah basketball guard Trey Campbell is eligible to compete after being granted a temporary restraining order in his ongoing legal dispute with the NCAA.
Utah Athletics confirmed the development Wednesday, providing an important update to Campbell’s status as the Runnin’ Utes prepare to open their exhibition schedule against UNLV in Las Vegas.
“Trey Campbell was granted a temporary restraining order, which we have reviewed, and he is eligible to compete,” Utah Athletics said in a statement.
The ruling allows Campbell to take the floor for Utah after spending much of the offseason pursuing a fifth year of collegiate eligibility. However, the temporary nature of the order means his longer-term status has not necessarily been resolved.
For head coach Alex Jensen and his staff, the development provides some clarity surrounding one of Utah’s most important offseason additions.
𝗜𝗧’𝗦 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 🚨
🆚 UNLV (Exhibition)
🏟️ Thomas & Mack Center
📅 WED, OCT 7
⏰ 8:00PM MT
📺 MW+#GoUtes https://t.co/AdLkPFf2nR
— Utah Basketball (@UtahMBB) October 7, 2026
Campbell remained focused amid eligibility uncertainty
Campbell’s eligibility had been uncertain since he transferred to Utah from Northern Iowa in August after completing four seasons with the Panthers.
The 6-foot-4 guard filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Sept. 17 in Utah’s Business and Chancery Court, seeking an additional season of eligibility and protection against potential NCAA penalties for Utah if he competed.
The dispute centers on the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model and its application to athletes from the 2022 high school graduating class who have already completed four collegiate seasons.
During Utah’s media availability last week, Campbell said he had tried to keep his attention on basketball rather than the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Not really looking too much into it,” Campbell said. “I have the people who kind of take care of that, take care of that, and I kind of just take it day by day and just work out hard here and get the most out of my day.”
He also credited Utah’s coaches and teammates for making the situation easier to navigate.
“You wouldn’t even have known that I’m kind of going through all this,” Campbell said. “It’s been very normal.”
Wednesday’s ruling provides Campbell an opportunity to compete, although his long-term eligibility remains subject to further legal proceedings.
An important piece to Utah basketball’s backcourt
Campbell’s availability provides a boost for Utah entering Jensen’s second season, adding an experienced guard to a rebuilt backcourt.
The Cedar Falls, Iowa, native appeared in 134 games, including 132 starts, over four seasons at Northern Iowa. Last season, he averaged 13.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists while earning second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference and All-Defensive Team honors.
He also helped the Panthers win the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and reach their first NCAA Tournament since 2016, earning tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
Campbell’s addition became particularly important after Utah lost Noam Yaacov to an NCAA eligibility ruling in August. He brings experience, playmaking and defensive ability to a backcourt featuring several newcomers.
During last week’s media availability, Campbell pointed to Jensen’s vision and the coaching staff’s experience as major factors in his decision to join Utah.
“Their vision for me was, I guess, very clear, very much what I want to hear,” Campbell said.
He also praised the competitive environment within Utah’s guard rotation.
“We pick each other up full court, we push each other to our max,” Campbell said. “It’s been very competitive, but it’s been good for us.”
With Campbell eligible to compete, Jensen has another proven option as Utah prepares for the regular season.
The Runnin’ Utes open exhibition play Wednesday against UNLV at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MDT.
Utah will also face Nevada on Oct. 17 and Oregon on Oct. 21 before opening the regular season Nov. 2 against Long Beach State at the Huntsman Center.
