Imagine a world where when the Big Ten and PAC-12 announced that they wouldn't be playing a fall season, players in those leagues were able to transfer and be immediately eligible somewhere else. Top players and NFL Draft hopefuls at programs like Ohio State, and Penn State would be free to leave new homes in places still planning to play like the SEC, Big 12, and ACC.
That's what Lane Kiffin thinks should happen, but the NCAA is standing firmly in the way according to comments Kiffin made on the SEC Network last night.
"With all the storylines going around, this one has been missed, and I think it's a shame."
"Kids are getting...their team or their conference is deciding to shut down, so they can't play. A lot of them have a lot of money on the line at the next level, or they just want to play their last year. So it is really unfortunate that the NCAA is not allowing them to transfer and to be eligible immediately."
It surely seems like something Lane and his staff have looked into, as this end of the interview is evidence of.
"We're being told that wouldn't even go into the waiver process. I feel really bad for those kids. Its not their fault. Why can't they come play somewhere? That don't make any sense to me."
Asked if that is a topic he has brought to people in the NCAA, Kiffin responded it is something he has brought up within the SEC ranks.
"I've asked that question via our conference when it first started happening. Are these kids going to be allowed to go play? I was told that would not be in the waiver process and if they're not grad students than they're going to have to sit and the majority of them aren't grad students."
"It's very unfortunate for the kids. Especially in an era where we are finally now figuring out 'do the best things for the kids.' and this would be one of them."