Cade Mays, Joey Gatewood Learn They're Eligible For 2020 Season Under SEC Exception Rule

The Tennessee Vols got big news Wednesday night when the SEC cleared the way for offensive lineman Cade Mays to play this weekend against Missouri after making an intra-conference transfer exception for Mays and others who were waiting to learn if they could play this season. Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood, who transferred from Auburn, was one of those who got the good news. "I appreciate the @SEC and @NCAA along with @UKAthletics to be cleared for immediate eligibility this year," he wrote on Twitter.

Mays showed his appreciation for those who stepped up to help him.

"Today is a great day for all of college athletics," Mays wrote. "First off I would like to thank Coach Pruitt, Coach Fulmer, Chancellor Plowman, and my attorney Greg Issacs. All of these individuals have spent ample amounts of time fighting for my eligibility to make this season a reality for me. Thank you to my teammates without your guys support this wouldn’t be possible. I love each and everyone of y’all and am thankful to be part of the family. Thank you to my friends and Vol Nation for being relentless in our pursuit for my eligibility! You guys made your voice heard and sent a powerful message for all to hear. God is good! Go Vols!!"