When school officials at Western Kentucky University processed Victory Vaka as “failure to report” they may have changed the course of the senior defensive lineman’s NCAA career. Per the NCAA rules, players who are reported as “failure to report” are not eligible to enter the transfer portal via the aid reduction or cancellation exemption, though that more closely aligns with Vaka’s situation.
According to CBS Sports, Vaka transferred to WKU from Texas Southern for his final season of eligibility. Unfortunately, Vaka’s mother passed away, prompting him to travel home for nine days to attend her funeral. He planned to return to WKU for the 2026 season.
While traveling for the service, Vaka was contacted by the strength coach and position coach, informing him that he would need to return by June for summer workouts. Then, ahead of schedule, he was contacted by athletics officials on May 26, asking where he was. On May 27, WKU chief of staff informed Vaka that WKU would be canceling his aid and removing him from the team.
According to Vaka, the coaching staff was aware that he would finish his semester remotely, and head coach Tyson Helton did not give him a specific timeline for return. WKU even paid for Vaka’s flight home to the funeral.
"In my mind, they were giving me the whole month of May off," Vaka said. "I think that's where all this went sideways. The lack of communication from both parties."
Vaka’s next move should have been the transfer portal via the aid reduction or cancellation exemption; however, WKU designated Vaka as a “failure to report” denying him the ability to earn an NCAA legislative relief waiver. With that designation, he is likely unable to transfer or use his last year of eligibility.
Vaka submitted an appeal, attempting to prove why WKU’s “failure to report” designation should be overturned or modified, but the NCAA denied his appeal. Vaka claims that NCAA officials never even called him during the appeal process.
"It's like inhumane what they did," Vaka said. "When some of these coaches say they care, they really don't."
The NCAA declined to comment on the specifics of Vaka’s waiver request, and WKU also declined to answer any questions regarding Vaka’s removal from the roster.
