Cole Hutson’s return to the Texas Longhorns received a court-related boost as the team prepares to begin its SEC schedule. Judge Maria Cantu Hexel of Austin’s 53rd District Court granted the offensive lineman another temporary injunction permitting him to compete this season, according to a report cited by sports.yahoo.com.
The ruling gives Hutson a route back onto the field, but it is not yet clear when he will be available. The decision came shortly before Texas is scheduled to open conference play against Tennessee in Knoxville on Saturday, leaving his status for that game uncertain.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian said Sept. 7 that Hutson was technically ineligible for a reason involving the NCAA rather than the ruling itself. Hutson had rejoined the team during fall camp after previously being away from the program.
Sarkisian is scheduled to speak with local media on Thursday and could provide more information about Hutson’s situation. The source did not provide a confirmed date for Hutson’s return or say whether he will play against Tennessee.
Texas has received steady contributions at both guard positions while Hutson’s eligibility issue has been unresolved. Oregon State transfer Dylan Sikorski has taken the starting role at left guard, despite expectations during fall camp that Western Kentucky transfer Laurence Seymore would earn that position.
