Cole Hutson has taken a step toward returning to the Texas football field after an Austin judge granted him a temporary injunction allowing him to play this season, according to a report by sports.yahoo.com.
Judge Maria Cantu Hexel of Austin’s 53rd District Court issued the ruling, which gives Hutson a legal path to rejoin the Longhorns on the field. The timing of his availability remains unclear.
Hutson was previously identified as ineligible before Texas’ Week 2 game against Ohio State. Coach Steve Sarkisian said Sept. 7 that the issue involved an NCAA matter separate from the ruling and that Hutson was working through it.
The court decision came close to Texas’ SEC opener against Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday, leaving it uncertain whether Hutson will be active for that game. Sarkisian was scheduled to meet with local media on Thursday and could provide an update.
Hutson returned to the team during fall camp. Quarterback Arch Manning said he was glad to see Hutson back, while offensive guard Brandon Baker described him as a strong locker-room presence and leader who had looked good.
