Strictly interpreted, the rules wouldn't allow Mends a medical hardship, but he can apply for an exception. And I think we're at a point where the NCAA would pretty much have to give it to him if he wanted it. If you're gonna give Kyle Kempt a 6th year just because he wasn't good enough to start the first 4 years of his career, I don't see how they can deny one to a guy who gets hurt before he's even registered for fall classes.