The hearing for Charles Bediako's preliminary injunction against the NCAA has wrapped in Tuscaloosa on Friday with a decision by Judge Daniel Pruet coming "soon", according to reporters who were in the courtroom.
But there's no guarantee that ruling is going to come today.
Judge Pruet has asked the counsels of Charles Bediako and the NCAA for proposed orders by 4pm CT on Friday. While Pruet reportedly stated that a ruling was coming "soon", it isn't likely to happen before those orders are submitted.
And with the court working a Monday-Friday schedule, a decision by Pruet could be delayed until Monday. That would allow Bediako to play on Saturday for Alabama against Auburn. His temporary restraining order against the NCAA is valid through February 10th.
Judge Daniel Pruet requested proposed orders from the counsels of Charles Bediako and the NCAA by 4 p.m. today, with a ruling coming “soon.”
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) February 6, 2026
There is no guarantee a ruling comes today. If there is no ruling, Bediako could still be able to play tomorrow vs. Auburn on his TRO,…
No decision yet by Judge Daniel Pruet in Charles Bediako case
Bediako's attorneys continued to argue that the NCAA's eligibility standards have become arbitrary, pointing out the bevy of former professional players currently playing college basketball. It was that point that seemed to resonate the most with Judge Pruet.
According to 247's Mike Rodak, Pruet didn't really tip his hand in either direction on which way he might rule. Alabama's addition of Bediako has faced staunch outrage across the country from opposing fans and other coaches.
On Thursday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey came out in official opposition to Alabama in a stunning move.
Bediako has played four games for the Crimson Tide since being granted the first temporary restraining order. Alabama has gone 2-2 in those games, with wins over Missouri and Texas A&M and losses to Tennessee and Florida.
Alabama faces Auburn in the first Iron Bowl of Basketball of the 2026 season on Saturday at Neville Arena. While Florida fans were far from kind to Bediako, it probably pales in comparison to what he'll hear from the student section at Auburn if he is able to play, despite Tigers head coach Steven Pearl being empathetic toward Bediako.