After initially rejecting a new rule that would allow walk-on players to transfer within the conference without forfeiting a year of eligibility, Big 12 officials reworked the language and passed the “Baker Mayfield Rule” on Thursday night.
As a result of the ruling, Oklahoma Sooners star quarterback Baker Mayfield will now enter the 2016 college football as a junior instead of a senior, with two years of eligibility remaining.
The report comes from Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.
Big 12 fac reps reverse course, walk-on transfers do not forfeit year of eligibility (by 7-3 vote). Baker Mayfield has 2 years remaining
— Blair Kerkhoff (@BlairKerkhoff) June 2, 2016
This is obviously a huge change of course and a decision that could greatly benefit the Sooners.
Last season, Mayfield was one of the leaders in the Heisman Trophy race, recording 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Mayfield joined the Sooners after transferring from Texas Tech where he was a walk-on.
The old ruling required Mayfield to sit out one season before returning to the field, but now he has been rewarded with that year of eligibility back and could remain in Norman if he opts against the 2017 NFL Draft.
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