Oklahoma Guard Nijel Pack Granted NCAA Medical Waiver, Secures 6th Year of College Eligibility in Huge Boost for Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball program just received a major boost for the upcoming season, and it comes in the form of veteran leadership, proven scoring ability, and invaluable experience. Senior guard Nijel Pack, who transferred to Oklahoma this offseason after an injury-plagued year at Miami, has officially been granted a medical waiver by the NCAA, granting him a sixth year of collegiate eligibility. The decision provides the Sooners with a key backcourt weapon and delivers Pack a much-needed opportunity to rewrite the final chapter of his college career.

The news comes at an opportune time for Oklahoma and head coach Porter Moser, who is rebuilding the roster in an effort to push the Sooners back into national relevance after consecutive seasons of missed NCAA Tournament appearances. For Pack, it’s a hard-earned chance to reset following a frustrating 2023-24 campaign marred by injury setbacks that limited his impact at Miami and left questions about his long-term future.

But now, those questions have been replaced by optimism. With the NCAA granting the waiver, Pack officially extends his college career into the 2024-25 season, where he’ll suit up for Oklahoma and immediately become one of the most experienced guards in the Big 12 Conference.

A Journey Marked by Production, Perseverance, and Setbacks

Nijel Pack’s college basketball journey has taken him from Big 12 arenas to ACC showdowns, and now, back to the Big 12, where he initially made his name as one of the league’s premier perimeter scorers. The Indianapolis native began his career at Kansas State, where he burst onto the scene as a dynamic shot-maker, playmaker, and clutch performer. His sophomore season with the Wildcats in 2021-22 solidified his reputation, as he averaged 17.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.6 percent from three-point range.

Following that breakout year, Pack entered the transfer portal and became one of the most coveted guards on the market. Ultimately, he chose Miami, lured by the opportunity to play in the ACC and contend for championships. His first season with the Hurricanes in 2022-23 proved to be a tremendous success. Pack helped lead Miami to a historic Final Four appearance, showcasing his ability to contribute at the highest levels of college basketball.

However, his second year in Coral Gables was derailed by injuries. Pack dealt with lingering knee issues that severely limited his playing time and effectiveness. He appeared in only 17 games for the Hurricanes during the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, while clearly operating at less than full strength. By midseason, his status became uncertain as he navigated rehabilitation and medical evaluations, ultimately leading to his decision to seek a fresh start elsewhere.

The NCAA’s decision to approve Pack’s medical waiver reflects both the severity of the injuries he endured and his compliance with the necessary criteria for an additional year of eligibility. Now healthy and eager to compete, Pack finds himself with a rare sixth year of college basketball — a luxury few players are granted.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Oklahoma

For the Sooners, Nijel Pack’s eligibility instantly reshapes the team’s outlook for the upcoming season. Oklahoma has been aggressively active in the transfer portal under Porter Moser, aiming to inject the roster with experience, scoring, and leadership. Pack checks every one of those boxes.

At his best, Pack is a lethal three-point shooter with deep range, capable of stretching defenses and creating space for teammates. His career shooting percentages — nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc — demonstrate his consistency as a perimeter threat. Beyond his shooting, Pack brings ball-handling, high-IQ decision-making, and the poise that comes from competing in high-pressure NCAA Tournament environments.

For a program like Oklahoma, which has struggled to find consistent guard play in recent seasons, Pack’s presence offers immediate stability. His ability to operate both on and off the ball gives Moser versatility in his backcourt rotations. He can facilitate the offense, create his own shot, or space the floor as a catch-and-shoot weapon — all qualities that elevate the Sooners’ offensive ceiling.

Additionally, Pack’s leadership cannot be overstated. With nearly 100 collegiate games under his belt, including deep NCAA Tournament runs, he brings a veteran presence that can help guide a roster featuring younger players and new transfers adjusting to Big 12 competition. In a league known for its physicality and defensive intensity, experience often separates contenders from pretenders.

Pack’s Perspective: A Chance to Finish Strong

For Nijel Pack, being granted a sixth year is more than a technicality — it’s a chance to reclaim his narrative. Injuries robbed him of the opportunity to fully showcase his talents during his final season at Miami, but now, he has a fresh opportunity to finish his college career on his terms.

“This means everything to me,” Pack shared in a statement following the NCAA’s announcement. “Last year was one of the hardest of my life, dealing with injuries, not being able to help my teammates the way I wanted to. But I never lost faith. I’ve been working hard to get healthy, and I’m thankful to the NCAA for giving me this opportunity. I’m excited to be part of Oklahoma Basketball and can’t wait to get to work with Coach Moser and my new teammates.”

His words reflect both gratitude and determination. With health finally on his side, Pack can focus entirely on basketball, development, and contributing to a Sooners team eager to make noise in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.

Oklahoma’s Big 12 Aspirations Get a Boost

The Big 12 Conference remains a gauntlet, even with the upcoming departures and additions impacting the league’s structure. Programs like Kansas, Baylor, Houston, and others consistently field elite rosters capable of competing for national titles. For Oklahoma, cracking that upper echelon requires talent, depth, and — perhaps most importantly — experienced guards capable of weathering the pressure of conference play.

With Pack’s eligibility secured, the Sooners now boast a proven veteran to anchor their backcourt. His scoring ability complements other returning players and transfer additions, while his leadership provides an intangible edge during close games and hostile road environments.

Porter Moser emphasized the significance of Pack’s waiver in his remarks to the media: “Nijel is exactly the type of competitor we want in this program. His work ethic, experience, and ability to impact winning are going to be huge for us. I know he’s hungry to prove himself, and I couldn’t be more excited to coach him this season.”

Moser, entering a pivotal season with Oklahoma, understands the urgency to produce results. After multiple years of roster turnover and inconsistent performances, the addition of Pack symbolizes a step toward greater continuity and on-court success.

The Broader Impact: NIL, Transfers, and Veteran Stars

Nijel Pack’s situation also highlights the evolving dynamics of college basketball, particularly in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and increased player movement. Pack famously secured a substantial NIL deal when he transferred to Miami in 2022, sparking conversations across the sport about player compensation and roster building.

Now, as he begins his final season at Oklahoma, Pack represents the modern college basketball landscape: a talented, mobile athlete leveraging both competitive aspirations and personal opportunities. His transfer to the Sooners, combined with the sixth year of eligibility, reflects the flexibility players now have to shape their careers — provided they meet eligibility criteria and maintain compliance with NCAA regulations.

For Oklahoma fans, though, the focus remains squarely on the hardwood. Pack’s arrival signals hope for a resurgent season, one where the Sooners can compete for a postseason berth, challenge Big 12 contenders, and lay the foundation for sustained success under Moser’s leadership.

As Nijel Pack prepares for his final year of college basketball, the narrative is one of resilience, redemption, and unfinished business. He’s faced the highs of NCAA Tournament success, the lows of injury setbacks, and the uncertainty of medical reviews. Now, with the NCAA’s approval in hand, his attention turns fully to the court.

For Oklahoma, it’s an invaluable addition at a critical time. For Pack, it’s the culmination of hard work and perseverance. And for college basketball as a whole, it’s another reminder of the ever-changing, compelling journeys that define the sport.

Expectations are now high in Norman. With Nijel Pack ready to don the crimson and cream, the Sooners’ backcourt just got a lot stronger — and their path to contention just became clearer.