Saint Louis University forward Robbie Avila has been prevented from playing in the team's season opener after the College Sports Commission ruled him ineligible, overriding a court order that had cleared his participation. The decision puts the promising forward's college career on hold once again.
Avila, who transferred to Saint Louis following a standout freshman season at Indiana State, had sought legal relief to gain immediate eligibility for the 2026-27 campaign. A court granted his request, but the Commission's subsequent ruling has superseded that judgment, leaving the player sidelined for the Billikens' first game.
The situation marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over transfer eligibility rules in college athletics. Avila averaged 17.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season at Indiana State, earning Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year honors before entering the transfer portal.
Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz, who also coached Avila at Indiana State, had built his offensive system around the versatile 6-foot-10 forward. The Billikens now face the challenge of adjusting their game plan without their projected centerpiece for the season's opening contest.
