Blanket waiver for all transfers

The NCAA Division I Council voted to grant a blanket waiver allowing all Division I transfers to play immediately this year.

The waiver covers all Division I sports, and the most immediate impact will be felt in men’s college basketball, in which a number of notable players will be able to suit up immediately — as soon as Wednesday night.

“We are thrilled at the passing of the blanket waiver, as we believe it is in line with D1 SAAC, ensuring that all of our student-athletes have the best opportunity to thrive both academically and athletically,” said Caroline Lee, vice chair of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“In a time of great uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel it is in our best interest to grant immediate eligibility for those who have transferred in order to best support their mental health and well-being.”

Meghan Durham, an NCAA spokesperson, noted on Twitter that the Division I Council will consider permanent transfer-rule changes at its January meeting.

Ohio State

Eric Hunter Jr. scored 15 points and forward Trevion Williams came off the bench to add 16 as host Purdue (5-2, 1-0 Big Ten Conference) beat No. 20-ranked Ohio State (5-1, 0-1), 67-60.

Villanova

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Collin Gillespie each scored 18 points to lead host No. 7 Villanova (6-1, 2-0 Big East) past Butler (1-1, 0-1) for a 85 -66 victory

DePaul

Sonya Morris scored 23 points to help the host No. 24 DePaul (3-2) women top ninthranked Kentucky (6-1), 86-82. Morris and Church each made two free throws in the final 25 seconds to seal the win.

Baylor

Queen Egbo recorded her second double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and NaLyssa Smith scored 16 points as the host No. 7 Lady Bears (5-1) took control early in an 86-52 victory against Southern (0-4).