Justin Flowe’s college football journey has spanned multiple programs and several NCAA eligibility changes, leaving many fans wondering how the former five-star recruit is still eligible to suit up for the UNLV Rebels in 2026.
The answer lies in a combination of the NCAA’s COVID-19 eligibility waiver, transfer rules, injury-shortened seasons, and recent court rulings that have temporarily expanded eligibility for certain athletes.
Why Is Justin Flowe Still Eligible?
Flowe began his college career at Oregon in 2020, a season that the NCAA ruled would not count against any student-athlete’s eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, every player competing that year effectively received an extra season.
After spending four seasons with the Ducks, Flowe transferred to Arizona for the 2024 campaign before joining UNLV in 2025.
Normally, players are limited to four seasons of competition within a five-year eligibility window. However, the COVID waiver significantly altered that timeline, allowing athletes from the 2020 season to extend their college careers.
NCAA Eligibility Timeline for Justin Flowe
- 2020: Oregon (COVID-19 season – does not count against eligibility)
- 2021: Oregon
- 2022: Oregon
- 2023: Oregon
- 2024: Arizona
- 2025: UNLV
- 2026: UNLV (Eligible under current NCAA transition rules and court rulings)
How Recent NCAA Court Rulings Affect Eligibility
Beyond the COVID waiver, recent legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules have also played a role.
As the NCAA transitions from its traditional “four seasons in five years” model to a new age-based eligibility system, federal court rulings have temporarily allowed certain athletes to retain an additional season of eligibility while litigation continues.
These rulings have benefited players whose eligibility would have otherwise expired under the previous framework.
Justin Flowe’s College Career
Flowe entered college football as one of the nation’s top linebacker prospects after starring at Upland High School in California.
Although injuries limited portions of his career at Oregon, he remained one of the most physically gifted linebackers in college football before transferring to Arizona and later UNLV.
His experience across multiple Power Conference programs has made him one of the most veteran defensive players in the Mountain West entering the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Justin Flowe still playing college football?
Flowe remains eligible because the NCAA’s 2020 COVID-19 waiver did not count that season against his eligibility. Additional NCAA transition rules and recent court rulings have also allowed certain athletes to continue competing in 2026.
How many colleges has Justin Flowe played for?
Flowe has played for three schools during his college career:
- Oregon
- Arizona
- UNLV
Is 2026 Justin Flowe’s final college season?
Based on the current NCAA eligibility structure and ongoing legal rulings, the 2026 season is expected to be Flowe’s final year of college football eligibility.
Final Thoughts
Justin Flowe’s extended college career reflects one of the most unique periods in NCAA history. Between the COVID-19 eligibility waiver, evolving transfer rules, and ongoing legal challenges surrounding player eligibility, athletes like Flowe have been able to compete longer than previous generations.
As one of UNLV’s defensive leaders in 2026, Flowe brings years of experience and high-level talent to the Rebels while closing out one of the longest and most unusual collegiate careers in recent memory.