It seems like it's been open season for immediate eligibility waivers lately, unless you're transferring to be closer to a family member struggling with their health.
Luke Ford, who transferred from Georgia – where he had a chance to start this season – to Illinois in order to be closer to his family and his sick grandfather, will not receive immediate eligibility this season after an appeal of the NCAA's original ruling was upheld.
From the Illini Inquirer:
Sources told Illini Inquirer that the NCAA told Illinois that it denied Ford's waiver because Champaign is outside a 100-mile radius from Carterville, Ford’s hometown, and that his grandpa isn’t a nuclear family member. Both are requirements for the waiver, but the NCAA has been inconsistent and not transparent with these rulings. Illinois felt it had a strong case, bolstered by legal representation after Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (transferred from Georgia) and Miami quarterback Tate Martell (transferred from Ohio State) were granted waivers for immediate eligibility.
Ford will now have to sit the 2019 season and cannot appeal the matter any further, but has three season of eligibility remaining.
