NCAA has yet to rule on Ohio State LB Gaoteote’s eligibility
The NCAA has not yet issued a decision on Ohio State linebacker Palaie Gaoteote’s petition for eligibility, The Dispatch has learned.
On Thursday, coach Ryan Day told reporters that the NCAA has denied Gaoteote’s request for eligibility. Later Thursday, OSU released a clarification, saying that Gaoteote is not currently eligible but that the school is continuing to work with the NCAA on the petition.
It’s now clear that the discussion between OSU and the NCAA is not an appeal but a continuation of the petition process.
An NCAA spokesperson said Friday she hopes the case is resolved as soon as possible but cannot give a timetable. She declined to comment on the issue or issues causing the petition process to be prolonged.
Gaoteote was a five-star 2018 recruit who played at Southern California in 20 games in three injury-marred seasons. He transferred to Ohio State in June but is not on scholarship while his case is resolved.
When Gaoteote first joined the Buckeyes, he was the only linebacker with starting experience, having started 14 games at USC.
Both linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Teradja Mitchell made their first career starts in last week’s season-opening win at Minnesota. brabinowitz@dispatch.com @brdispatch