Elder will be without standout wide receiver Andrew Lyman for the remainder of the 2026 season after the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled the senior ineligible under its transfer bylaws.
Lyman transferred to Elder from Kings prior to this season and was eligible for the first half of the regular season. The OHSAA ruled that he did not qualify for an exception to the transfer bylaw that would allow him to continue playing beginning in Week 6.
Elder appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied.
Lyman made an immediate impact for the Panthers. In four games, he caught 23 passes for 390 yards and eight touchdowns. He opened the season with seven receptions for 145 yards and four touchdowns in Elder’s 35-3 victory over Middletown.
The senior is verbally committed to Ball State.
Lyman’s absence begins Friday night as unbeaten and No. 2 Elder hosts No. 8 St. Xavier at The Pit in a GCL South showdown.
The Panthers enter Week 6 at 5-0 and have outscored their opponents 199-30. Elder has also won 15 consecutive regular-season games.
The Lyman family has the option to pursue legal action challenging the ruling.
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