Transfer, play right away? Don't bank on it, NCAA cases show

Graphic shows the number of requested and approved NCAA transfer waivers since 2014 across various sports;; 1c x 7 1/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 184 mm;

In this April 13, 2019, photo, Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson throws during the Michigan's annual spring NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. A string of recent high-profile transfers gave the college football world the impression it was getting easier for players to switch schools and compete right away. Patterson to Michigan, Justin Field to Ohio State and Tate Martell to Miami seemed to usher in a new era of free agency, but waiver approvals are still far from a sure thing. That is prompting athletes, coaches and others to complain about a process that can be somewhat mysterious. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

FILE - In this April 18, 2019, file photo, Miami quarterback Tate Martell (18) throws during NCAA college football spring practice, in Coral Gables, Fla. A string of recent high-profile transfers gave the college football world the impression it was getting easier for players to switch schools and compete right away. Martell to Miami, Shea Patterson to Michigan and Justin Field to Ohio State seemed to usher in a new era of free agency, but waiver approvals are still far from a sure thing. That is prompting athletes, coaches and others to complain about a process that can be somewhat mysterious. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)