Explaining the Chandler Morris situation and why he still may not be eligible for TCU
The Big 12 is doing away with its intraconference transfer rules requiring players to sit out a year, a source confirmed. The same source confirmed that the NCAA will approve a one-time transfer proposal, allowing all athletes to transfer once and become immediately eligible.
So it would seem like TCU quarterback Chandler Morris would be eligible for the fall, right? He’s an intraconference transfer, going from Oklahoma to TCU, and is transferring following his freshman season. Well, not so fast.
Morris still may not be eligible this fall unless Oklahoma releases him from his national letter of intent (NLI). Essentially, OU could block Morris from playing this season on a technicality.
The technicality is a NLI issue, not a transfer issue. When an athlete signs a letter of intent, it requires them to stay a year-in-residence at the institution.
Morris did not stay a year at Oklahoma. He joined TCU’s football program this spring and is going through spring ball.
As explained on the NLI website, an academic year-in-residence is two semesters.
“The NLI program requires student-athletes who do not attend the institution with which they signed, or who attend that school for less than one academic year, to serve one year in residence at the next NLI member institution before being able to represent the second school in intercollegiate athletics competition,” the website writes in its FAQ section.
In the majority of cases, schools release players in Morris’ situation from their NLI. For instance, Texas Tech basketball has released Micah Peavy from his NLI and he’ll be immediately eligible to play at TCU next season, per a source.
But OU could stand by its initial decision and not release Morris from his NLI. As of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after the rule changes were being reported, OU had not.
However, a source close to the situation believes OU will eventually grant Morris his release.
“I don’t know how they can hold onto this,” the source said. “It’d be a really bad look. I think it’ll take care of itself.”
TCU and OU officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation.
For now, the waiting game continues for Morris, who is able to practice with the team this spring. The Frogs are in the midst of spring football and Morris is among the top contenders for the backup job behind starter Max Duggan.
The Frogs’ spring scrimmage is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
This story was originally published April 14, 2021 at 7:05 PM.
