The NCAA has denied an appeal filed by the University of Arkansas on behalf of football student-athlete Ryan Mallett seeking a waiver to grant eligibility for competition in the 2008 season after transferring from the University of Michigan.

“ I am disappointed that the NCAA has declined to grant a waiver in my case, ” Mallett said. “ My family and I were hopeful that I would be eligible to play for the University Arkansas in the upcoming season. For now, I will focus on finishing up the semester academically, rehabilitating my [thumb ] injury and getting prepared for preseason camp. I look forward to taking the field for the Razorbacks when I have that opportunity. ”

Per the NCAA’s residence requirement (4. 5. 1 ), Mallett will be required to spend one full academic year of residence at Arkansas before being eligible to play for the Razorbacks. The Texarkana, Texas, native will practice, but will not be eligible for competition in the 2008 season. Mallett played as a true freshman in 2007 at Michigan before transferring to Arkansas in January of 2008. Mallett will have three years of eligibility remaining following the 2008 season.

“ As an institution and a football program we felt it was very important to offer our support and assistance to Ryan and his family in their appeal process, ” Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said. “ Ryan and his family understood from the beginning that precedent did not suggest that the NCAA was likely to grant the appeal. Now that the final decision has been made, we will move forward and use the upcoming year as an opportunity for Ryan to grow as a student, a quarterback and as a person. We are happy to have him as part of the Razorback program. ”

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