Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson has regained temporary court protection that could make him eligible to play this season, but it is not yet clear when he will return to the field.
Judge Maria Cantu Hexel of Austin’s 53rd District Court issued the ruling, according to a report by Chip Brown of Horns247 cited by sports.yahoo.com. The decision restores an injunction allowing Hutson to compete for Texas during the season.
The ruling came as the Longhorns prepare to begin their SEC schedule. Texas opens conference play against Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday, but the timing of the court decision leaves Hutson’s status for that game uncertain. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is scheduled to meet with local media on Thursday and could provide an update.
Sarkisian said Sept. 7 that Hutson was technically ineligible because of a separate NCAA-related matter, rather than the ruling involving his ability to play. Hutson had returned to the team during fall camp after previously being unavailable.
Texas has also settled on Dylan Sikorski, a transfer from Oregon State, as its starting left guard. That differed from the expectation during fall camp that Laurence Seymore, who transferred from Western Kentucky, would win the position.
