Report: OSU Defensive Tackle Iman Oates Granted Temporary Restraining Order against NCAA

The Cowboys could be one step closer to getting one of their top defenders back from last season.

Iman Oates was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, according to a report by On3’s Pete Nakos. It could clear the way for him to receive another year of eligibility if things play out favorably in the courts. Or if the courts take too long to get to it.

Oklahoma State DL Iman Oates has been granted a TRO against the NCAA in Payne County, Oklahoma, his attorney Ryan Downton of @TexasTrialGroup tells @On3.

An injunction hearing will need to be set, but it opens up the path to playing CFB this fall. Posted 5 TFLs last two… pic.twitter.com/1bs37RLHa4

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) July 29, 2026

The issue with Oates’ eligibility stems from his playing his first year at junior college Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in 2022. The Tulsa native redshirted at OSU in 2023 before becoming a major part of the Cowboys’ defensive from the last two seasons.

In 2024, he started all 12 games for the Pokes and was second among defensive linemen with 25 tackles to go with three tackles for loss and two sacks. In 12 games last season, Oates earned an 81.2 tackling grade according to ProFootballFocus, good for fourth-best on the team. He logged 14 tackles, two TFLs, a forced fumble and a QB hurry.

It will be interesting to see how a judge rules in Oates’ case especially with the NCAA’s recent instatement of an age-based five-year eligibility, often referred to as “five-for-five.” It gives each athlete five years of to play with their high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first, and eliminates the use of medical or traditional redshirt seasons. If things were to work out for Oates in earning that fifth year, he would likely be in competition for a starting role among OSU’s defensive interior.

This is a similar thing that happened with OSU basketball’s Kashie Natt. He was granted an ex parte order and was able to rejoin the basketball program.