Auburn supports Joey Gatewood’s transfer waiver

The Kentucky Wildcats are still waiting to see if Joey Gatewood will be eligible to play next season, if there is one.

The former Auburn Tigers QB transferred to UK this past January, and the school recently applied for a transfer waiver to get him eligible for the 2020 college football season.

When players transfer, one big key to the NCAA granting a transfer waiver involves the prior school supporting said player being eligible at his new school.

Because he transferred to a school within the SEC, one that Auburn actually plays next season when the Wildcats visit Jordan-Hare Stadium, there was doubt if the Tigers would actually support Gatewood being eligible and potentially facing them next season.

Have no fear, as Justin Rowland of Cats Illustrated reports Auburn supports Gatewood’s transfer waiver. That’s a big step toward UK having Gatewood for the 2020 season, which continues to look likelier as each day passes with the NCAA handing out transfer waivers like candy.

For UK, the hope is Terry Wilson returns to form and takes hold of the starting QB job for what would be his final collegiate season. However, coming back from a torn patellar tendon is a tough ordeal, and it doesn’t help that Wilson hasn’t had a real offseason due to the coronavirus.

Gatewood actually got to work with his teammates for several weeks during spring football before it was canceled, while Wilson did limited rehab work.

If Wilson can’t get back to form, having a former top-50 recruit with multiple seasons of college experience is a great backup plan. And even if Wilson is the starter, Gatewood is talented enough that UK should find ways to get him a few plays in each game. His mobility and speed could make him a great Wildcat QB option.

But if nothing else, having Gatewood able to play and get more practice time with possible in-game reps next season will be great for his development. Here’s to hoping he gets it.

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