He had a red-shirt year in 2020-21, then played 2021-22, 22-23 and 23-24 seasons at WWU and then 24-25 here in Missoula. Without introspection I sort of assumed he was a 3 in 3 kid based upon his success in Bellingham.
My guess is they are trying to use his red-shirt year as a covid year even though he did not expend a year of eligibility. All players were all granted extra years for 20-21 winter seasons and that may apply to students whose eligibility clock didn't change. He may be entitled to that 5th year.
They've been pretty liberal w/ the Covid stuff, but I haven't seen this scenario yet, but if follows the larger pattern, I am cautiously optimistic that he'll get an extra year.