Chris Steele‘s wild ride through the offseason will end up back where it was expected -- the ability to play in 2019, albeit at a different university than first (or second) thought.
After landing as at USC as a transfer, Chris Steele sought a waiver from the NCAA that would give him immediate eligibility for the upcoming season. Tuesday night, the Trojans confirmed on Twitter that the waiver has been granted.
OFFICIAL: USC freshman CB Chris Steele is immediately eligible after having his waiver approved by the NCAA. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/2OqHSdEJ5h
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) August 7, 2019
The development was yet another twist in what’s been a dizzying last three months for the defensive back.
After announcing in early May that he would be transferring from Florida, Steele revealed not long after that he would be transferring to Oregon to continue his collegiate playing career. However, it was subsequently reported that Steele would be enrolling instead at USC. That development came after Steele took an official visit to Eugene but was subsequently seen on the USC campus with Bru McCoy, another touted 2019 signee who left for Texas but ultimately returned to USC.
A four-star 2019 signee, Steele was rated as the No. 5 cornerback in the country; the No. 6 player at any position in the state of California; and the No. 42 player overall on 247Sports.com‘s composite board. He easily was the highest-rated signee in the Gators’ class this year.