South Carolina Running Back Rahsul Faison Still Awaits NCAA Ruling on Eligibility After Months of Review and Uncertainty Over Transfer
The landscape of college football has drastically changed in recent years, with the transfer portal, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities, and eligibility rules reshaping how student-athletes navigate their careers. But amid all these transformative elements, one thing remains a source of confusion and frustration for many athletes: the NCAA’s often sluggish and inconsistent rulings on eligibility waivers. South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison finds himself caught in the middle of such a scenario, waiting for a verdict that could determine not only the next chapter of his football journey but possibly his entire future in the sport.
Faison, a promising running back with a solid collegiate resume, transferred to South Carolina with hopes of revitalizing his career and contributing to a Gamecocks backfield in need of experienced depth. However, what he didn’t anticipate was an extended battle with the NCAA bureaucracy, one that has left his status in limbo for months and cast doubt over whether he’ll be allowed to step on the field this season.
According to those close to the program and sources familiar with the case, the NCAA has been reviewing Faison’s eligibility waiver since early spring. The delay, which has stretched across multiple months, is reportedly tied to a combination of factors — including the number of schools Faison has attended, his reasoning for transferring, and whether his circumstances qualify for the coveted “hardship waiver” or a discretionary extra year of eligibility. While such reviews can be complicated, the drawn-out process has raised eyebrows both within South Carolina’s program and in wider college football circles.
Faison’s case is not unique, but it has become emblematic of the ongoing challenges faced by student-athletes trying to find clarity within a shifting regulatory environment. Unlike professional athletes, college players don’t always have agents or powerful representation to advocate on their behalf. Much of the burden falls on school compliance offices and legal counsel, who try to navigate an opaque system of rules and appeal processes.
In Faison’s case, the issue appears to center on his previous transfer history and whether he meets the requirements for immediate eligibility following his most recent move. The NCAA has recently tightened its stance on multiple undergraduate transfers, in some cases denying waivers to athletes who would’ve likely been cleared in previous years. While the NCAA says the goal is to bring consistency and fairness to transfer cases, critics argue that it too often punishes athletes without clear justification or transparency.
From a football perspective, Faison’s eligibility status is a significant issue for South Carolina. The Gamecocks’ offense is in the middle of a transition under head coach Shane Beamer, who has been rebuilding the roster with a mix of high school recruits and transfer talent. With the departure of veteran backs and question marks surrounding the younger depth chart, Faison was expected to compete for carries and potentially serve as a veteran leader in the locker room. Coaches have publicly voiced support for Faison, with Beamer stating in multiple interviews that he believes the running back deserves the opportunity to play.
But even beyond football, this delay has real human consequences. Faison, who transferred to South Carolina in good faith and has reportedly excelled in offseason workouts and team activities, has had to live with uncertainty hanging over his head. He’s trained, attended meetings, and committed to the program without knowing whether his efforts will culminate in actual playing time. For any student-athlete, the mental and emotional toll of waiting for such a decision — while balancing academics, physical conditioning, and public scrutiny — cannot be overstated.
Teammates have rallied around Faison, with many taking to social media to express their support and question the delay. Fans, too, have grown increasingly vocal, with hashtags and messages directed at the NCAA urging them to grant the waiver. Some former players and analysts have also chimed in, noting that delays like this are exactly why the NCAA continues to face criticism in the court of public opinion.
Adding another layer of complexity is the fact that similar cases around the country have been resolved more quickly — and sometimes with dramatically different outcomes. While some players with multiple transfers have been granted waivers almost immediately, others in nearly identical situations have been denied. This lack of consistency has fueled growing concern about whether the NCAA’s review process is fair, equitable, or even fully understood by those involved.
To his credit, Faison has remained mostly quiet during this period, choosing not to speak publicly about his situation. Those close to him describe him as focused, mature, and patient, determined not to let frustration impact his attitude or preparation. He continues to practice with the team, attend film sessions, and engage with younger players — showing leadership despite not knowing if he’ll be able to put on the jersey come game day.
This situation also raises important questions about athlete rights and the power dynamics within college sports. With the rise of NIL deals and the multimillion-dollar TV contracts that power college football, many argue that players like Faison should have more autonomy and less dependence on opaque institutional decisions. While the NCAA has made strides in modernizing certain elements of its governance, eligibility rulings remain one of the few areas where players have very little control.
Coaches around the country have increasingly voiced their displeasure with how transfer cases are handled, especially when they involve student-athletes who are simply trying to find the right fit both academically and athletically. For many, the delays not only affect the players but also the teams’ ability to prepare for the season. Game plans, roster decisions, and depth charts are all impacted by whether key contributors like Faison will be cleared.
From the university’s perspective, South Carolina has reportedly provided extensive documentation and justification for Faison’s waiver request. The compliance department has worked in close coordination with athletic department officials and legal advisors to build the strongest case possible. Still, the lack of communication or definitive answers from the NCAA has left them, like Faison, frustrated.
It’s not yet clear when a decision will be made. With fall camp approaching and the season opener drawing nearer, time is of the essence. Each passing week without a ruling further complicates South Carolina’s preparation and places unnecessary strain on Faison. The hope, according to insiders, is that a decision will come before the start of fall camp — allowing Faison to fully integrate into the team and focus on football without distractions.
If the NCAA does grant him eligibility, Faison would bring valuable experience and physicality to the Gamecocks’ backfield. Known for his downhill running style and pass-blocking ability, he could be a critical piece in an offense looking to establish balance and consistency. His presence would not only elevate the on-field performance but also validate the trust and belief that the coaching staff has placed in him.
On the other hand, if the waiver is denied, it would be a tough blow — not just for Faison, but for everyone involved. It would mean another season on the sidelines, another year of development lost, and another example of how the NCAA’s slow-moving processes can derail a player’s momentum. It could also reignite broader conversations about the need for reform in how eligibility cases are handled.
In the meantime, all Faison can do is wait — and hope. Hope that fairness will prevail. Hope that the work he’s put in will be rewarded. And hope that the NCAA, despite its history of bureaucratic inertia, will recognize that this isn’t just about policy. It’s about a young man who simply wants to play the game he loves, one more time.
For now, South Carolina continues to plan with optimism, keeping a place open for Faison on the depth chart and in the locker room. But as the clock ticks toward kickoff, the ball remains in the NCAA’s court. Whether they will finally provide the clarity Faison deserves remains to be seen.
