What To Make of UNC’s Cameron Fens’ Eligibility Situation

One of the most asked questions among Tar Heels fans has been regarding the eligibility of big man Cameron Fens.

It’s become a frustrating situation for North Carolina and their fans, as many fifth-year players around the country have become eligible to play in the 2026-27 season. However, UNC’s likely starting center and South Dakota transfer, Cameron Fens, still remains sidelined and ineligible.

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The Most-Asked Question

Nov 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; South Dakota Coyotes center Cameron Fens (54) is defended by Iowa Hawkeyes forward Ladji Dembele (13) during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

That has sparked the question: Why are some players eligible, but not Cameron Fens?

To understand the issue, you must go back to the NCAA’s “five-for-five” rule. In June 2026, the NCAA passed a new rule that allows Division I and II student-athletes five seasons of eligibility in five years, hence being commonly referred to as the “five-for-five” rule.

The eligibility clock begins upon initial full-time college enrollment or the beginning of the academic year after the player turns 19, whichever comes first. However, the rule does not apply backward. Therefore, players who entered college in the class of 2022, like Cameron Fens, stay under the old ruling, rather than be adopted into the new rule. This has prompted many players in the class of 2022 to sue the NCAA in order to gain eligibility via the new model.

Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Michael Malone answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The issue is that there is no single case deciding the same thing for every player in the class of 2022. Players are filing lawsuits in different states around the country, which allows those states to make different decisions and come to different…

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Publish date : 2026-10-24 13:00:00

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