Report: NCAA Has Made Decision On Shea Patterson's Eligibility
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: General view of the fans filling the University of Michigan Stadium prior to the start of the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 10, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
The NCAA's impending decision on the eligibility of Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson is one of the major college football story lines this off-season. A new report suggests a resolution could be coming soon.
Patterson, who transferred to Michigan from Ole Miss in December, is petitioning the NCAA to be immediately eligible in Ann Arbor. He's claiming he and his former Ole Miss teammates were misled by their old coaches in regards to the program's NCAA scandal.
Patterson is still waiting to hear the NCAA's verdict on the matter, but a report from The Wolverine's Chris Balas says he will be hearing good news sooner rather than later.
The link in Balas' tweet is behind a paywall, but he makes it clear he is expecting Patterson to be ruled eligible, potentially as soon as tomorrow.
If Balas' report is true, it is major news for both Michigan and the rest of the Big Ten. Patterson is a former five-star recruit who should become the Wolverines' starting quarterback.
He shouldn't be looked upon as a savior of sorts, but Patterson has the most high-end talent of any quarterback on the Michigan roster. This is a pivotal year for Michigan and Jim Harbaugh and the Maize and Blue will be more likely to reach their full potential with Patterson as the starting quarterback.
We should know soon enough if Balas is on the money here or not. If Patterson is not eligible next fall, either Brandon Peters or Dylan McCaffrey will lead the UM offense.
Michigan will open its 2018 season on the road at Notre Dame on Sept. 1.
