Shea Patterson’s transfer to Michigan is already in the works, but when he can step on the field in a game remains a question of analyzing NCAA rules.

SB Nation examined what must happen for Patterson to play in 2018, and the Wolverines to take advantage of the former Ole Miss quarterback’s talent, which has already produced more than 3,000 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As this piece noted, the NCAA almost always requires a transfer to sit out the first season at a new school.

Because of Patterson’s experience level, the Ole Miss sanctions don’t make him immediately eligible — only seniors are. By the time the school’s bowl ban would be lifted, Patterson would still have eligibility available.

Typically, exceptions are given to players to play immediately because they’ve graduated, have a health issue, or a school has poor Academic Progress Report scores.

An NCAA spokeswoman outlined what Michigan must do for Patterson to be eligible immediately.

“Schools can submit waivers to the national office if they believe there are special circumstances that warrant an exception to the rule, such as some sort of abuse at the prior school,” she said. “Because we cannot contemplate every type of mitigation that may be presented, these are considered on a case-by-case basis by the staff. There is always an appeal opportunity to a committee of members if the school does not agree with the waiver decision.”

The Division I Council’s Subcommittee for Legislative Relief would be the group to hear Patterson’s case.

For his part, Patterson is confident.

“From what I’m hearing, I’m pretty sure that I will win that and be able to play next year,” Patterson said. “If I don’t, I’ll work as hard as I can learning the offense and I’ll be playing the year after.”