The Tennessee Volunteers football program finds itself at the center of a brewing controversy as the NCAA denied offensive lineman Andrej Karic an eligibility waiver, while allowing quarterback Diego Pavia to return for another season. This disparity has sparked outrage among Vols fans and reignited debates about the relevance of NCAA rules in the modern college football landscape.
Karic, a transfer from Texas, sought a waiver to play immediately after sitting out the 2024 season due to transfer regulations. Despite his compliance with academic and procedural requirements, the NCAA ruled against him, leaving Tennessee without a key piece of its offensive line as it gears up for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State and led the Vols to a 10-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024, was granted an extra year of eligibility due to a technicality in his junior college stint. The contrasting decisions have left many scratching their heads.
Tennessee fans have taken to social media, arguing that the NCAA’s inconsistent application of rules undermines the sport’s integrity. Critics point to the evolving nature of college football—marked by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal—as evidence that the NCAA’s framework is outdated. “How can you deny a lineman who’s followed the rules but let a star QB play another year?” one X user posted, echoing a sentiment shared widely across Vol Nation.
Head coach Josh Heupel has remained diplomatic, focusing on preparing his squad for the upcoming season. However, the Karic-Pavia saga underscores broader questions: Are NCAA eligibility rules equipped to handle today’s game? As Tennessee builds on its recent success, this controversy could fuel calls for reform, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the governing body’s policies are stuck in the past.
