Riley Faults NCAA for Psychological Impact on Athletes Caught in Eligibility Uncertainty
USC offensive lineman DJ Wingfield is still waiting on an eligibility waiver from the NCAA as the Trojans begin fall camp. Wingfield was expected to have one remaining year of eligibility under an NCAA rule allowing waivers for players with experience at non-NCAA programs.
However, the waiver hasn’t been approved, and Wingfield recently filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, requesting an injunction and seeking clarification on his status. When asked about the situation on Friday, USC head coach Lincoln Riley criticized the NCAA’s handling of not just Wingfield’s case, but similar ones around the country.
Riley said the program is doing what it can to support Wingfield—who transferred from Purdue—especially when it comes to his mental well-being. Still, he acknowledged the emotional toll it’s taken.
“He’s not doing well,” Riley said. “I’m technically not supposed to talk about this, but what’s happening—not just with DJ, but with players nationwide—is unacceptable. I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years of coaching. And I’ve dealt with plenty of unusual eligibility situations. But this is a new level.”
He added that Wingfield’s perseverance has been admirable.
“There are kids stuck in complete limbo all over the country. Watching DJ push through something like this is incredible. We’re doing everything we can to support him, but it’s a tough spot to be in. It’s not a good situation. I’ve probably already said more than I should—but it needs to be said.”
Before filing his lawsuit, DJ Wingfield retained high-profile attorney Darren Heitner to represent him. In the legal complaint, Wingfield stated that he could earn approximately $210,000 through NIL opportunities at USC—provided he’s granted eligibility to play.
Wingfield’s college football journey began at El Camino Junior College, where he appeared in 22 games over two seasons. He then transferred to New Mexico for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, spent 2024 at Purdue, and joined USC this offseason.
The NCAA introduced the relevant waiver policy in December. Under current NCAA guidelines, athletes who still have eligibility left for the 2025–26 academic year—due in part to COVID-19 eligibility relief—may play another season if they’ve spent at least one year competing at a non-NCAA institution.
USC opened training camp this week as it enters its second season in the Big Ten. The Trojans are set to kick off the 2025 season on August 30 against Missouri State, a newcomer to the FBS level.
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