Former Arizona State safety Myles “Ghost” Rowser is exploring a return to college football after a major federal court decision restored an extra year of eligibility to thousands of athletes from the high school Class of 2022. The ruling, handed down late Friday, July 31, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney in Colorado, forces the NCAA to grant fifth-year eligibility for the 2026-27 season to players who exhausted their four seasons under previous rules.
Rowser’s agents at Priority Sports confirmed to CBS Sports that the former All-Big 12 standout is weighing his options following the decision.
The Court Ruling That Changed Everything Overnight
Judge Sweeney issued a class-wide preliminary injunction covering all Division I athletes who began their college careers in the 2022-23 season, competed under NCAA rules, and completed four seasons of eligibility by the end of the 2025-26 academic year. These athletes were set to be excluded from the NCAA’s newly adopted “5-for-5” eligibility model, which allows five seasons of competition within a five-year window starting more fully with later classes.
The plaintiffs, including basketball players such as former Minnesota guard Cade Tyson, successfully argued that the NCAA’s transition created inequities. Earlier classes benefited from COVID-era extra years, while future athletes would receive five full seasons. Class of 2022 players were left without a fifth year despite competing against older, more experienced opponents for much of their careers.
Sweeney found the athletes were likely to succeed on the merits of their antitrust claims, would suffer irreparable harm without relief, and that the balance of equities and public interest favored granting the injunction. The decision effectively opens a short transfer portal window in early August 2026 for affected players.
College athletic departments across the country are now scrambling as fall camps approach. The ruling applies to football players as well as those in basketball and other sports, raising the possibility that some undrafted free agents could leave NFL training camps and return to campus.
Who Is Myles “Ghost” Rowser?
Myles A. Rowser, born August 9, 2004, is a 6-foot, 194-pound safety from Belleville, Michigan. He starred at Belleville High School before beginning his college career at Campbell University in 2022. After one season there (44 tackles and an interception in 10 games), he transferred to New Mexico State for 2023, where he recorded 69 tackles, an interception returned 31 yards, a forced fumble, and started 11 of 15 games.
In January 2024, Rowser transferred to Arizona State under head coach Kenny Dillingham. He quickly became a key piece of the Sun Devils’ secondary. In 2024 he started all 14 games, led the team with 98 tackles (including 3.5 for loss and a sack), and earned Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition as ASU won the Big 12 championship.
In his senior season of 2025, Rowser again started most games and finished with 84 tackles (48 solo), four tackles for loss, three passes defended, and a fumble recovery. His consistent production earned him Third-Team All-Big 12 honors. Over his two years at Arizona State he totaled 182 tackles. Across his entire four-year college career he amassed approximately 295 tackles, two interceptions, and multiple forced and recovered fumbles.
After the 2025 season, Rowser declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He went undrafted and had been pursuing professional opportunities, including a rookie minicamp invitation. The sudden restoration of eligibility has now given him a new path.
What This Means for College Football and Potential Destinations
The timing of the ruling creates significant roster uncertainty just days before many programs open fall camp. Coaches who built 2026 rosters under the assumption that Class of 2022 players were finished must now evaluate whether to pursue returning veterans or prepare for unexpected competition in the transfer portal.
For a proven, physical safety like Rowser—who has experience at multiple levels and a reputation as a hard-hitting, high-motor defender—interest from Power conference programs is expected. Arizona State remains a natural landing spot given his two successful seasons in Tempe and the relationships he built there. Other Big 12 or Power conference schools seeking secondary help could also pursue him.
Rowser’s decision will likely hinge on several factors: the quality of the offer, scheme fit, NIL opportunities, and his long-term professional goals. Returning for one more college season could boost his NFL draft stock after going undrafted, while also allowing him to continue developing against high-level competition.
Looking Ahead: Chaos and Opportunity in the New Eligibility Era
Judge Sweeney’s decision is the latest in a series of legal challenges that have reshaped NCAA eligibility rules in recent years. While the NCAA has indicated it may appeal and has called on Congress to provide legislative clarity, the preliminary injunction currently stands and applies class-wide.
For players like Myles Rowser, the ruling represents a rare second chance. For college football programs, it introduces both opportunity and logistical headaches. As the short August transfer portal window approaches, expect a flurry of activity involving experienced Class of 2022 talent looking to write one more chapter in their college careers.
Stay tuned for updates on where Rowser ultimately decides to play in 2026. The landscape of college football eligibility continues to evolve rapidly, and this ruling is one of the most consequential developments of the year.