Expert: Thom Brooks - 2/8/2008

Question
I am helping a senior boy who is dear to our family with his college football opportunities.  He is considering a DIII private college in Oregon with hopes to later transfer to D1 Oregon State.  He has been told he will have to sit out a year if he transfers, however according to information I found on your site, he received bad information and there is no sit out period when transferring from DIII to DI. Am I mistaken?  This could be extremely impactful to this young boy so I MUST be certain before presenting the information to him.  Is there somewhere "official"  I can find this written?  I will be very grateful for any help you can offer.  Regards.

Answer
Darla, hello!

First, it is awesome that you're helping him.

If he were trying to transfer from a Div-1 to a lesser school, he would not have to sit out for one year.  If he is in a Div-1 school and transferring is when he has to sit out.  If he is in a Div-III school, I was told he can play the following season, but it counts on his 4 year eligibility unless he has a waiver (like a medical redshirt or hardship).  I will research the rule on the NCAA website to be certain I am correct.

You need to talk to the NCAA.org people for them to show you the rules.  Ronald Reagan said, "Trust, but Verify.".  The two schools where his interest in can verify the rules.

Take care,

Thom Brooks