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On Monday, multiple major media outlets such as ESPN, Yahoo Sports, The Athletic and more, reported that the NCAA has granted an additional year of eligibility to all current NCAA athletes who, a) previously attended a JUCO, NAIA or non-NCAA institution, and b) would have expired their NCAA eligibility at the completion of the 2024-2025 academic calendar year.
At the moment, that blanket waiver does not apply to athletes who do not specifically meet the above criteria.
In November, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, a former junior college (JUCO) athlete, sued the NCAA. In his lawsuit, Pavia and his legal team argued that having one less year of eligibility in the NCAA (due to first attending a JUCO school) negatively impacted his earnings potential in the new "Name, Image and Likeness" (NIL) era.
Last week, a Tennessee judge granted an injunction to Pavia, allowing the SEC football player to compete in the NCAA for an additional year despite his prior participation at the JUCO level. Additional reports also noted that the NCAA will appeal the ruling.
However, with Pavia's ruling came an ocean of speculation that other athletes in his position could be granted similar eligibility extensions. Sure enough, that's exactly what happened, with the recent waiver acting as yet another catalyst for potential change in the ever-evolving NCAA landscape.
With an additional year of eligibility now on the table for a small (but notable) handful of current NCAA athletes, the need for transfers and recruits may be slightly lesser than originally anticipated. That's an especially important note for the upcoming summer as upcoming changes to roster spot limits could leave the transfer portal flooded with athletes looking for new homes.
When it comes to collegiate distance running, there is likely no school happier about the recent development than Iowa State. After placing 2nd as a team at the NCAA XC Championships last month, the Cyclones were expected to lose a key All-American in Sanele Masondo.
Instead, their 13:20 (5k) talent could return to Ames, Iowa next fall.
The coaching staff at Arkansas should also be thrilled. The Razorbacks recently landed the 2024 indoor 800-meter national champion, Rivaldo Marshall, from the transfer portal this past summer. However, the former Iowa runner looked to be a one-year rental given his limited eligibility.
But now, Arkansas is getting a 1:45 (800) talent and a national champion for a potential second year should Marshall choose to use it.