A recent development in the college football landscape could provide long term benefits for JUCO athletes.

 

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, a former JUCO player at New Mexico Military, was granted an extra year of eligibility by a Tennessee judge after filing a lawsuit against the NCAA.

 

The verdict could potentially open up the possibility that JUCO athletes would not lose NCAA eligibility during their time at the JUCO level. CCC Athletic Director Bryce Saia says this could completely shift the landscape of college athletics.

 

The NCAA has been asked to elaborate on their classification of the fifth-year eligibility by the end of the spring semester. Saia says the next steps are not really known yet.

 

Pavia won a national title while at the JUCO level, and led Vandy to a win over Alabama earlier this season.