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Luke Fickell had some interesting things to say about players taking advantage of a few extra seasons of NCAA eligibility. He took a swipe at those using their sixth, and in some cases seventh, years of amateur status.
Due to redshirt seasons, injuries, and the non-counting COVID year, some players have been successful in applying for extra playing time. Throw in the added NIL money and there’s no reason to leave college early if the professional outlook isn’t at its peak.
We’ve seen players like Bradley Rozner at NC State, who graduated in 2016(!), land even an eighth year of eligibility.
Fickell doesn’t seem to be on board, believing the NCAA has gotten out of control in its handing out of waivers.
“I think we’ve still got a couple more years left of not knowing how old or what guys have left in the tank based on how many years of experience,” the Wisconsin head coach said. “I just saw Minnesota’s got a seventh-year guy and I just saw a Utah quarterback is saying he’s coming back for a seventh year. Is this still college football? I don’t know. I’m not sure it was meant to be six years, seven years.”
It’s worth noting that Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi will be able to return to Madison for his sixth year after suffering an injury early this season. His decision has not yet been made.
Fickell’s quarterback Tanner Mordecai is also 24 years old and playing in his sixth NCAA season.
The comments sparked an array of reaction from college football fans.
“Tanner is a 6th year senior. What are we doing here?”
“If the rules allow it (which obviously they do) let the guys chase their dreams.”
“If they still have eligibility, then who cares?”
“Old man complaining about kids playing sports. College doesn’t have an age either. You could enroll in college as a 34-year-old for the first time and play with all that eligibility remaining. This isn’t a bad thing.”
Fickell struggled in Year 1 at Wisconsin. Entering the season as a favorite to win the Big Ten West, the Badgers are 6-5 entering the final week of the season.
A number of college football followers clearly don’t agree with his line of thinking on this particular issue.