By R.L. Bynum
The NCAA has ruled UNC wide receiver Tez Walker eligible immediately because of what it called new information, and he’ll debut as a Tar Heel on Saturday against Syracuse.
The NCAA said that the new information had not previously been provided to it by Carolina.
“While we must be careful not to compromise a student-athlete’s right to privacy when it comes to sensitive issues, we want to assure the Division I membership and everyone watching how the new transfer rules are applied, that this meets the new transfer waiver standards,” NCAA president Charlie Baker said in an NCAA statement. “UNC’s behavior and decision to wage a public relations campaign is inappropriate and outside the bounds of the process UNC’s own staff supported. Had the UNC staff not behaved in this fashion and submitted this information weeks ago, this entire unfortunate episode could have been avoided.”
UNC athletics director Bubba Cunningham disputed the NCAA’s justification.
“The justification provided by the NCAA today is not accurate,” Cunningham said. “The university submitted all necessary information and documentation as it was made available to us at the time, and we still believe Tez met all standards for the waiver in early August. It is not clear why the NCAA delayed making the correct decision then, but we are pleased to get to the appropriate resolution now. “
UNC chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz suggested the school did, in fact, provide new information.
“UNC provided all available information at every step of the process,” Guskiewitz said. “In our stated effort to exhaust all avenues, new information about this matter came to our attention, and we immediately gathered and submitted it for consideration.”
Walker, who made the preseason All-ACC team and the preseason Biletnikoff Award watchlist, tied for the Mid-American Conference lead and was seventh in the country last season with 11 touchdown receptions. Over two seasons at Kent State, he caught 63 passes for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdowns.
“I’m so excited and thankful that the NCAA has granted my eligibility to play this season,” said Walker, who had been working with UNC’s scout team. “This hasn’t been easy, but I’m looking forward to putting this in the past and moving forward.
“I always knew UNC was a special place, but it’s proved it over and over again throughout the last few months,” Walker said. “I’ve received so much support from the university, the athletics department, my coaches, the staff and my teammates. Most of all, I’ve felt so much love from the fans.
“Whether it was people trying to pick me up on social media or fans chanting for me at the games, I’ve felt supported, and I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me. I can’t wait to put on that jersey, run out of the tunnel, and play in Kenan Stadium. I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time and now it will be a reality. See everyone on Saturday,” Walker said.
The NCAA had previously denied Walker a waiver to play this season despite transferring from Kent State to UNC in January before the two-time transfer rule was changed.
“We’re so happy for Tez,” UNC coach Mack Brown said. “Everything that’s transpired over the last few months has been with the sole purpose of helping and supporting him, and now he’s going to have a chance to live his dream.
“We want to express our gratitude to the people at UNC who have worked tirelessly to assist Tez,” Brown said. “We never gave up. We also want to thank the NCAA for being willing to re-examine Tez’s case, and ultimately deciding to grant him his eligibility. This is, and always has been, about the welfare of this young man, and we can’t wait to see him on the field doing what he loves to do.”
UNC schedule
| Month/ date | Opponent/event | 2023 record | UNC record in series |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | |||
| 20 | Spring game, 3 p.m. | — | — |
| August | |||
| 29 (Thurs.) | at Minnesota | 6–7 | 1–0 |
| September | |||
| 7 | Charlotte | 3–9 | 0–0 |
| 14 | N.C. Central | 9–3 | 0–0 |
| 21 | James Madison | 11–2 | 3–0 |
| 28 | at Duke | 8–5 | 65–40–4 |
| October | |||
| 5 | Pittsburgh | 3–9 | 12–5 |
| 12 | Georgia Tech | 7–6 | 22–33–3 |
| 26 | at Virginia | 3–9 | 66–58–4 |
| November | |||
| 2 | at Florida State | 13–1 | 3–17–1 |
| 16 | Wake Forest | 4–8 | 72–36–2 |
| 23 | at Boston College | 7–6 | 6–2 |
| 30 | N.C. State | 9–4 | 68–39–6 |
Photo via @UNCFootball
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