US LBM Coaches Poll: Georgia stands firm as nation’s best
Paul Myerberg discusses the latest US LBM Coaches Poll and how Georgia continues to represent the very best in college football.
North Carolina receiver Tez Walker’s first game in Carolina Blue is one for the books.
Walker suited up for the undefeated Tar Heels for the first time on Saturday during the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Miami Hurricanes after the NCAA granted him a transfer waiver and Walker’s presence was quickly felt. He connected with QB Drake Maye for six receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns in his debut. He also rushed for 20 yards in the 41-31 Tar Heels win.
It’s been a whirlwind week for Walker.
The NCAA deemed Walker ineligible to play this season as a two-time transfer in September, a decision that sparked much criticism and backlash — “Shame on you, NCAA,” North Carolina coach Mack Brown said — but the NCAA reversed course last week and granted Walker a transfer waiver to play after the organization said new information was made available.
Walker started his collegiate career at North Carolina Central, but he didn’t play in a single game because the season was canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020. He transferred to Kent State in 2021 and was named first-team All-MAC following a breakout season in 2022, when he recorded 58 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Walker transferred to UNC to be closer to home amid mental health challenges and the declining health of his grandmother, who hasn’t been able to attend any of his collegiate games out of state. However, the NCAA denied Walker’s eligibility waiver as a two-time transfer and upheld its decision on appeal. According to the NCAA, two-time transfers must either sit out one year or be granted a waiver for immediate eligibility, which is more difficult to attain after the NCAA’s new criteria went into effect in January.
That changed last week when the NCAA announced that it received new information regarding Walker’s eligibility, which made him qualify for the waiver. The NCAA also said the information wasn’t previously made available by the Tar Heels “despite the school’s multiple chances to do so.”
Brown said in a statement Thursday “we were thrilled” to learn Walker was eligible, and thanked the NCAA for its co-operation.
Walker said he “can’t wait to put on that jersey… I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time and now it will be a reality. See everyone on Saturday.” He was eligible to play in North Carolina’s Week 6 win over Syracuse and even suited up, but he did not enter the game.
Contributing: Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY Sports
