Charles Bediako's hearing for a preliminary injunction against the NCAA was held on Friday in Tuscaloosa with Judge Daniel Pruet presiding. A decision was expected on whether or not that injunction would be granted, which would determine whether Bediako would be eligible moving forward, starting with Saturday's matchup against Auburn on the road.
But Friday came and went without an official ruling. Both Bediako's attorneys and the NCAA's submitted proposals for what they would like the judge to do, but a ruling did not come on Friday. With it now being the weekend, a ruling is unlikely to come until Monday at the earliest.
So is Bediako eligible to play in the meantime?
Bediako attorney Darren Heitner confirmed early Saturday morning that the temporary restraining order remains in place, allowing the 7-foot center to play against the Tigers on Saturday.
Statement from Charles Bediako's attorney, Darren Heitner, to @On3 on his status ahead of today's Auburn game: "The TRO remains in place until the judge rules on the motion for preliminary injunction. Without a ruling, Bediako remains eligible to play."https://t.co/iCDGjFPadS pic.twitter.com/sQt4k58n2B
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) February 7, 2026
Charles Bediako is eligible to play for Alabama against Auburn
Bediako's restraining order against the NCAA runs through Tuesday, February 10th, meaning today's matchup at Auburn could be the final game he plays in for Alabama unless the ruling goes in his favor.
Judge Pruet announced that a decision was coming "soon" at the conclusion of Friday's hearing, but that decision ultimately didn't come on Friday.
Bediako has appeared in four games for Alabama since initially being granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA ahead of Alabama's matchup against Tennessee two weeks ago. The Crimson Tide has gone 2-2 in four games with Bediako, falling to Tennessee and Florida, and earning wins over Missouri and Texas A&M.
Bediako earned starts against Missouri and Florida, coming off the bench against Tennessee and Texas A&M. In 21.5 minutes a night, Bediako is averaging 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on 70.6% shooting from the floor.
Against one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the country in Auburn, having Bediako available will be a needed boost for Alabama.