This means all sports are finally treated equally
Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
As expected, the NCAA will be passing a one-time transfer rule for all sports. This rule will finally bring all sports under one rule and eliminate the need for waivers and the unpredictable nature in which those were handled. Syracuse Orange fans nod their heads at Chris Bleich’s case last season.
This means that every athlete who has transferred or will transfer by July 1st will be eligible to compete in the 2021-22 academic year.
The one-time transfer rule for athletes in all sports has been approved by the NCAA's Division Council, source tells @TheAthletic. Athletes in all sports will be able to transfer once and be immediately eligible.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) April 14, 2021
(This isn't official until end of Thursday's meeting.)
As we’ve been glued to the transfer portal recently we know now that each athlete will be able to suit up for Syracuse next year. This means we get to see if Garret Shrader can challenge for the starting QB job or if Willie Tyler helps shore up the offensive line. Jim Boeheim knows he’ll be able to count on Symir Torrance and Cole Swider in his rotation. Coach Q knows Shalexxus Aaron will be ready to step into the line-up for the Orange women.
While we wait for the full guidelines associated with the transfer rule, Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic added this note.
Clarifying the new NCAA one-time transfer rule: The previous rule language about the school needing to grant a release went away. Head coach of the certifying institution & athlete must certify that there was no tampering. But there’s no longer any blocking mechanism for coaches.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) April 14, 2021
It’s great that this is included in the rule change and that many conferences are eliminating their intra-conference transfer restrictions. A lot of coaches might say they are worried about this rule but the reality is that those same coaches are excited not to have to deal with the waiver process. I know many fans share that same sentiment.
Now if the NCAA just gets around to passing those NIL changes....
