Arizona Football: LB Santino Marchiol says Texas A&M Violated Rules

Another day, another busy news cycle for Arizona Football as recently transferred linebacker Santino Marchiol is making headlines.

For those who haven’t heard or haven’t been following, the Arizona Football program got a huge transfer in former Texas A&M linebacker Santino Marchiol just a few weeks ago.

Pretty normal right? Yeah, at least it should have been.

Generally any time a football player transfers schools, especially when a new coach comes into a program (i.e.- Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M), well, that said player(s) who transfer(s), they typically have to sit out one year as per NCAA transfer rules.

Arizona Wildcats

Simple right? Yes, most of the times, but in Marchiol’s case, perhaps there could be an exception that could allow him to see the field earlier than anticipated.

A former, highly regarded recruit in the class of 2017, it seemed Marchiol was destined for stardom in College Station. Well, his then coach (Kevin Sumlin) would be let go months later, and that’s when things would take a turn.

In comes former Florida State head coach Fisher, things change and Marchiol has a change of heart. However, it was a few things that had happened that initiated that change of heart.

On Tuesday in a report with USA Today, Marchiol alleged to potential violations committed while at Texas A&M, when an assistant coach gave him cash to host top recruits on “unofficial” visits.

In that report, he continued in saying that he and other players were evaluated in June practice sessions that were considered voluntary work outs. Only thing with that, is this falls outside the NCAA rule book.

As we had stated before, this possible exception to the transfer rule could allow him to play this year!

Luckily, Marchiol is currently seeking a waiver with the NCAA, which recently approved a rule change that could potentially allow athletes to transfer and play immediately. Here is what the rule states; “

"“Specifically, immediate eligibility may be provided to a transfer student-athlete, provided: (Fairness/Well-Being/Operational) The transfer is due to documented mitigating circumstances that are outside student-athlete’s control and directly impact the health, safety and well-being of the student-athlete.”"

The timing of the report is interesting, as Marchiol didn’t initially file this with the NCAA when he first decided to transfer weeks ago. No, instead Marchiol filed his waiver with the University of Arizona, in hopes of him being immediately eligible.

A bit confusing to follow thus far, but perhaps with a strong enough case, Marchiol could come away victorious here. The hardships he went through at A&M certainly put him in a compromising position and hopefully the NCAA sees that and rules accordingly.

Regardless, he would have an impact with the Wildcats immediately if he were allowed to play.

At Zona Zealots, we are hopeful for Santino that he can win his appeal and play immediately! Bear Down, Arizona!