© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro is reportedly seeking a seventh season of college football. If granted, the passer could secure a significant payday.
Navarro has filed a waiver in search of one final NCAA season. The decision has sparked major reaction for a variety of reasons.
Eligibility status has become a bit clouded given recent court rulings. Extra opportunities to extend careers are being handed out like candy. All the while, players are making money for their efforts.
It is not uncommon to see 24- and 25-year-old college football veterans in today’s game. In some ways, it’s become comical to see eligibility loopholes exploited.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia kickstarted a movement after he successfully sued the NCAA in 2024. In doing so, he regained his JUCO seasons to be used at Vanderbilt.
Pavia’s turned his extra time into social media popularity, as well as an NIL check and potential 10-win season. Navarro is looking to do the same.
Who is Parker Navarro?
The quarterback initially signed with UCF as a three-star recruit in the class of 2020. After two seasons in Orlando, he transferred to Ohio.
Navarro played as a reserve to Dillon Gabriel with the Knights. That role continued into his first two years with the Bobcats.
In 2024, he earned the starting spot. He hasn’t looked back.
The signal caller led the program to its first MAC Championship since 1968. He was named an all-conference performer. He returned in 2025 and currently leads the league in total offense.
On Tuesday, his agent informed On3 Sports of Navarro’s motion to request another season. The NCAA’s ruling will be impactful for many reasons.
The QB’s future rests with the NCAA.
Navarro’s college career has unfolded as follows:
2020: 1 game played at UCF (COVID / redshirt)
2021: 5 games played at UCF
2022: 2 games played at Ohio (injured)
2023: 6 games played at Ohio
2024: 13 games played at Ohio
2025: 10 games played at Ohio
The COVID year won’t count against his eligibility. The 2022 campaign shouldn’t either given his redshirt status. That still puts him at four full seasons, with two caming as a backup.
While the details of his case are unclear, it’s possible he hopes to use a medical hardship in some capacity given his 2022 season-ending setback – possibly to use towards the 2023 season.
If successful in his pursuits, it will open up doors for Navarro’s future.
The passer is not considered a pro prospect. He is, however, a proven commodity at the college level. Should he be granted another year, Ohio will do what it can to keep him. That will include making a generous NIL offer.
He could also transfer, though it’s difficult to gauge interest of potential suitors with his future playing status still unknown. If he can take a step up from the MAC and into a stronger league, his paycheck will only increase.
Parker Navarro, like many others, is looking to stay in college and get paid to do so. It will be interesting to see how the NCAA feels about his request.