Purdue football player's NCAA eligibility lawsuit denied by court

A Purdue football‘s lawsuit seeking an additional year of NCAA eligibility was denied last week in Northern Indiana district federal court.

Atium “Bakyne” Coly, on behalf of his advisor and NIL agent Ryan Downey, sought a preliminary injunction that would allow him to return for a sixth season of college football.

The court cited on March 23 Coly presented “virtually no evidence at all” to justify receiving an additional season of eligibility.

The court likened the case to that of former Nebraska cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean, who ultimately dropped a lawsuit last November seeking a sixth season after arguing hardships during his time playing for NCAA Division II program Grand Valley State.

After transferring from NAIA program Lawrence Tech in Michigan, Coly redshirted the 2023 season with Purdue before playing 23 games over the past two seasons. Coly started all 12 games at right tackle in 2025.

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Coly’s lawsuit claimed he played only one full season of NAIA football, partially due to COVID-19 related disruptions, and two seasons of NCAA Division I football. 

Coly participated in an organized pro day at Purdue last month, working out in front of NFL and CFL scouts while keeping hopes alive of returning to college. He remains at Purdue doing workouts in hopes of being selected in this month’s NFL draft.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football player denied 6th year of eligibility by court