BREAKING: Will Wade Gets Third Major Eligibility Win as Skyy Clark Cleared for LSU

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU men's basketball coach Will Wade received some much-needed news Tuesday as the Tigers prepare for the 2026-27 season: UCLA transfer guard Skyy Clark has been cleared to play following the latest court ruling on his NCAA eligibility.

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Beth A.R. McGowen granted a preliminary injunction Tuesday in Glancey v. NCAA, allowing Clark and dozens of other college basketball players from the 2022 recruiting class to remain eligible for an extra season.

The ruling covers 76 basketball players challenging the NCAA's new five-year eligibility model, including Clark, fellow LSU guard Donovan Dent, BYU forward Jaxon Kohler and Gonzaga guard Xaivian Lee.

The decision provides Wade with another veteran backcourt option as he continues navigating a complex roster situation ahead of his return to Baton Rouge.

However, the ruling is a preliminary injunction rather than a final judgment, and the NCAA has already appealed.

The governing body could also request a stay of the injunction, which, if granted, would temporarily pause the players' eligibility while the appeal is considered.

For now, Clark remains eligible for the Tigers, though his status could change depending on legal developments.

Clark's eligibility had been uncertain for months after the NCAA adopted a five-year eligibility model, which allows athletes to compete for five seasons within five years but excludes players who finished their eligibility during the 2025-26 academic year.

The former UCLA guard was among dozens of athletes who challenged the NCAA's refusal to apply the rules retroactively to the 2022 recruiting class.

Clark first received a favorable ruling in August when the California court granted a temporary restraining order protecting players seeking an extra season.

McGowen held a preliminary injunction hearing Sept. 29, but proceedings were continued to Oct. 20 after the court ran out of time for testimony.

Tuesday's decision extends protection beyond the temporary restraining order, keeping players eligible while the lawsuit proceeds.

Recent rulings in other states show how quickly those protections can shift.

On Oct. 2, a Kentucky appeals court overturned a separate injunction that had allowed several athletes to pursue a fifth season. That decision briefly raised questions about Clark's status, though he remained protected by the California order.

The NCAA has also secured stays in other eligibility cases, barring some players from competing despite earlier favorable rulings.

Those precedents highlight why Tuesday's decision, while important for Clark and LSU, does not guarantee his eligibility for the entire 2026-27 season.

Even so, the ruling is a key development for Wade, who spent much of the offseason managing roster uncertainty.

With the season near, having Clark and Dent available gives LSU two experienced guards who could play central roles in its push to compete in the Southeastern Conference.

For now, Wade can include Clark in his plans, though the NCAA's appeal means the legal dispute remains unresolved.

What Skyy Clark Brings to LSU

Clark's availability represents a significant development for Wade, who has spent much of the offseason assembling a competitive roster through the transfer portal while dealing with eligibility questions involving several potential contributors.

The veteran guard arrives in Baton Rouge after spending the previous two seasons at UCLA, where he developed into a reliable scorer and experienced backcourt presence.

During the 2025-26 season, Clark averaged 11.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals across 26 appearances for the Bruins.

Before his time in Los Angeles, Clark began his college career at Illinois during the 2022-23 season before transferring to Louisville for the 2023-24 campaign.

His experience playing in the Big Ten, ACC and Big Ten again gives LSU a proven guard who has competed against high-major competition throughout his collegiate career.

Clark's offensive versatility should give Wade more flexibility, particularly alongside fellow UCLA transfer Donovan Dent.

Dent, another player who received an additional season through legal proceedings, is expected to play a significant role in directing LSU's offense.

Pairing Dent's playmaking ability with Clark's scoring and defensive experience could give the Tigers a formidable backcourt combination as Wade attempts to reestablish LSU as an SEC contender.