The NCAA lets Division I athletes in every sport transfer once and play right away
On April 28, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors ratified a rule that lets Division I athletes in all sports transfer once without sitting a season, starting with the 2021-22 academic year. The Division I Council had announced the plan on April 15, 2021.
Shane Lyons, West Virginia athletic director and Division I Council member
We feel it has to be done for roster management purposes …
Day by day
- Apr 15, 2021The NCAA said the board of directors would meet on April 28.
- Same dayThe Division I Council’s vice chair said the rule gives a uniform, equitable and understandable approach.
Reaction
Apr 14 to Apr 28, 2021
Supports the rule
Sam Pittman, Arkansas head coach
I think the one-time transfer is the key there, though. I don’t think it’s let’s transfer once a year. At some point you’ve got to stick and make it happen and make it work for you.
Chicago Sun-Times, Apr 15, 2021
Associated Press, via the Chicago Sun-Times
Jon Steinbrecher, Division I Council vice chair and Mid-American Conference commissioner
Allowing student-athletes a one-time opportunity to transfer and compete immediately provides a uniform, equitable and understandable approach that benefits all student-athletes …
The NCAA’s own release, as published by NCAA.com
Worries about rosters and recruiting
John Grass, Jacksonville State head football coach
The Power 5s are going to have FCS big boards and mid-major big boards. It’s a trickle-down effect.
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota head coach
You’ll see less and less people signing 25 high school kids …
Reports or explains without taking a side
Nick Saban, Alabama head coach
I don’t think we’re going to have our best players on our team want to leave Alabama …
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors ratified the adoption of a measure that will allow athletes in all sports to transfer once without sitting a season, the NCAA announced Wednesday.
James Franklin, Penn State head coach
I don’t think anything’s changed …
Chicago Sun-Times, Apr 15, 2021
Associated Press, via the Chicago Sun-Times
Show the last quote
Associated Press
The board took the last step to make the historic rule change official and the NCAA clarified some of the details in a news release. The one-time exception had been previously available to some athletes, just not those in football, basketball, baseball and men’s ice hockey.
The NCAA’s own words
NCAA
All Division I student-athletes will have a one-time opportunity to transfer and compete immediately beginning in the 2021-22 academic year …
The NCAA’s own release, as published by NCAA.com
Schools cannot object to schools to which a student-athlete wants to transfer. The waiver process will continue to be available for students who do not meet the criteria of the one-time transfer exception or who wish to transfer more than once.
The NCAA’s own release, as published by NCAA.com
Related
- Jun 13, 2018The NCAA ends the permission rule for transfers
- The NCAA’s one-time transfer ruleThis page
- Sep 17, 2025The NCAA ends the spring transfer window
Sources
News and releases
Sports Illustrated, Apr 14, 2021“‘It’s Going to Change the Landscape’: The NCAA’s Transfer Revolution Is Here, and Its Impact Will Be Felt Far and Wide”
NCAA.com, Apr 15, 2021“NCAA DI Council adopts new transfer legislation”
- Chicago Sun-Times, Apr 15, 2021
“Coaches ready to adapt to new NCAA transfer rules”
- BamaCentral (Sports Illustrated), Apr 16, 2021
“For Alabama Football, the NCAA Transfer Legislation Offers Both Hurdles and Opportunities”
CBS Sports, Apr 28, 2021“NCAA Board of Directors ratifies one-time transfer legislation allowing athletes immediate eligibility”
ESPN, Apr 28, 2021“NCAA 1-time transfer rule clears last step, starts with 2021-22 academic year”
Associated Press, via ESPN