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Texas Tech Starting Guard Joins Transfer Portal Amid NCAA Legal Uncertainty

Amid an ongoing legal battle with the NCAA, some players who have exhausted their eligibility are entering the transfer portal, hoping that pending lawsuits could grant them an additional year of eligibility.

On Tuesday, On3 reported that Texas Tech guard Elijah Hawkins had officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. Hawkins, who started 34 games for the Red Raiders during the 2024-25 season, averaged 9.1 points and 6.5 assists per game.

Before his time at Texas Tech, Hawkins played one season at Minnesota, where he posted averages of 9.5 points and 7.5 assists per game.

Though Hawkins is currently out of eligibility, he’s entering the portal with the hope that ongoing legal challenges against the NCAA could lead to the possibility of a fifth year of eligibility.

Hawkins is among the thousands of student-athletes who have joined the transfer portal since the NCAA Tournament, many of whom are hoping that a pending House vs. NCAA antitrust settlement could result in changes to NCAA eligibility rules. The outcome of this case, which could be decided as soon as this month, may allow for adjustments to the longstanding four-year eligibility clock.

ICYMI: Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins entered the portal last night. He will need a waiver or rule change to play next season.

Hawkins averaged 9.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds this season! pic.twitter.com/8GcAAsdChl

— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) April 23, 2025

According to CBS Sports, the ruling could have significant implications for both coaches and players, possibly reshaping roster construction for future seasons. As a result, many players who are out of eligibility are entering the portal in anticipation of potential changes, despite the fact that their move is currently little more than a formality.

The uncertainty surrounding the case has led players to take action, in hopes that the ruling will provide them with greater flexibility in the coming months. Though this move is technically allowed, it may ultimately serve as a placeholder, pending further legal developments.