After weeks of uncertainty, there’s still no definitive word on whether Drew Ott will suit up for Iowa in 2016. The good news for the defensive lineman and the football program is that the door is still ajar for a return.
Ott has been seeking a medical waiver that would allow him a fifth season with the Hawkeyes, and that appeal is now in the hands of the NCAA.
“In regards to the University of Iowa appeal on behalf of Drew Ott, the Big Ten Conference has granted the UI’s request to forward the petition to the NCAA,” a statement from the university began, “where a decision will be rendered on his request for an additional year through the Medical Hardship Waiver process.”
The fact that the Big Ten has signed off on a waiver and passed it on to the NCAA doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk Ott will be granted another season of eligibility.
Ott played in the first six games of the 2015 season before tearing an ACL, which sidelined the end for the remainder of the year. According to NCAA bylaws, a player is eligible for a medical hardship waiver if he doesn’t play in more than 30 percent of his team’s games and if he hasn’t played in any games past the halfway point. While Ott met the latter requirement, he played in more than 30 percent of the Hawkeyes’ 14 games.
Iowa has based their appeal on the fact that Ott suffered a dislocated elbow in the second game of the 2015 season but played sparingly in the next two games because of that injury.
Getting Ott back for another season would be a huge boon to the Hawkeyes’ defense.
After playing in five games as a true freshman in 2012, Ott had started 31 of the last 32 games for the Hawkeyes prior to the injuries, including a string of 19 straight over the past two seasons. Following the 2014 season, and after leading the team in tackles for loss (12) sacks (eight) and quarterback pressures (seven), he was named second-team All-Big Ten.
A decision from the NCAA is expected at some point this month.