The NCAA is moving towards passing the one-time immediate transfer waiver, beginning with the 2020-21 season.
According to Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press, the NCAA is “full speed ahead” with the rule to be put in place for the upcoming calendar sports year (2020-2021).
“There was some talk about delaying changing the transfer waiver to give all athletes access to a one-time exception so it goes into effect in 2021-22.” Russon said on Twitter. ” Sounds like now that’s likely to happen and go into effect 2020-21. Full speed ahead.”
The voting to pass the rule will take place on May 20 and would be a positive all the way around for UK Athletics.
John Calipari is currently scanning all possible options for a big man to anchor the paint this season for Kentucky. If the rule does pass, Rhode Island transfer Jacob Toppin will be immediately eligible for the Wildcats this fall. It would also give Kentucky options with possible transfers later this spring and summer.
For Mark Stoops, the rule would mean added depth at the quarterback position. Joey Gatewood, a former top 50 recruit, would provide another option at quarterback this season, along with Terry Wilson and Sawyer Smith.
The biggest winner may be Kentucky women’s basketball coach Matthew Mitchell, who just recently signed two former five-stars via transfer. The rule would provide Robyn Benton (Auburn) and Jazmine Massengill (Tennessee) immediate eligibility this fall. The UK roster would then feature five former five-star players and would firmly place Mitchell’s club in the discussion for a Final Four.
