Vanderbilt basketball's Tyler Nickel entered the transfer portal on April 19, USA TODAY Sports has learned.
However, Nickel is a unique case because he does not have any eligibility currently, having played four years already. This was noted in his portal entry.
Nickel played one year at North Carolina, one year at Virginia Tech and two years with the Commodores. In 2025-26, he averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 40% from 3-point range.
Nickel is one of multiple players without eligibility who have entered the transfer portal in this and previous offseasons on the chance that the NCAA changes its rules to grant them eligibility.
Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - MARCH 03: Tyler Nickel #5 of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts after a turnover by the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half at The Pavilion at Ole Miss on March 03, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) rushes past Georgia guard Blue Cain (0) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) shoots past Georgia guard Marcus Millender (4) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) pushes past Tennessee guard Bishop Boswell (3) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.Feb 18, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) rebounds against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesFeb 14, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesJan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) high fives the student section after the win against the Mississippi Rebels at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates a three-point basket against Kentucky during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) shoots against Kentucky during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) blocks a shot from Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) looks for an opening against Florida during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts to a foul against Alabama during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.Dec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Central Arkansas Bears during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesDec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) dribbles the ball down the lane against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesDec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) drives to the basket against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesNov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesNov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) dribbles the ball past Texas Southern Tigers forward Anthony Andrews (8) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesVanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a three-pointer during their game against Lipscomb Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a basket during their game against Lipscomb Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.Mar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Mary's Gaels guard Jordan Ross (2) dribbles defended by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) in the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) and Vanderbilt Commodores forward JaQualon Roberts (24) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesTexas guard Jordan Pope (0) drives up court past Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) puts up a shot over Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during their first round game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Nickel (5) during a NCAA college basketball first round game against Texas at the men’s Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt lost 79-72.Vanderbilt’s Tyler Nickel (5) and JaQualon Roberts (24) walk off court after losing to Texas 79-72 in a NCAA college basketball first round game at the men’s Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) brings the ball up the court against Arkansas during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.Mar 4, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) drives to the basket as Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after defeating Missouri 97-93 in overtime at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends against Missouri guard Mark Mitchell (25) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a three-point basket over Missouri guard Trent Pierce (11) forcing the game into overtime at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) bolts past Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.Feb 26, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) passes the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn ImagesFeb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) drives against Mississippi Rebels forward Jaemyn Brakefield (4) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesTennessee's Jahmai Mashack (15) defends Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) tries to pass between Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) and guard Tyler Nickel (5) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.Texas forward Arthur Kaluma (6) drives to the basket against Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) gestures after making a 3-point basket against Texas during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.Jan 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made 3pt. basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesVanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) goes up for a shot against Kentucky Wildcats forward Brandon Garrison (10) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) and Vanderbilt Commodores guard Chris Manon (30) celebrate their win over the Tennessee Volunteers after their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates 3 points against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) looks to pass the ball as California forward Lee Dort (34) defends during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.1 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.1 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after making a 3-pointer during a first-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between McNeese and Vanderbilt at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Thursday, March 19, 2026.2 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonOXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - MARCH 03: Tyler Nickel #5 of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts after a turnover by the Ole Miss Rebels during the first half at The Pavilion at Ole Miss on March 03, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Wes Hale/Getty Images)3 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) rushes past Georgia guard Blue Cain (0) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.4 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) shoots past Georgia guard Marcus Millender (4) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.5 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) pushes past Tennessee guard Bishop Boswell (3) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.6 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonFeb 18, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) rebounds against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images7 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonFeb 14, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images8 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonJan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) high fives the student section after the win against the Mississippi Rebels at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images9 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates a three-point basket against Kentucky during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.10 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) shoots against Kentucky during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.11 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) blocks a shot from Florida forward Alex Condon (21) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.12 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) looks for an opening against Florida during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.13 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts to a foul against Alabama during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.14 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonDec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Central Arkansas Bears during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images15 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonDec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) dribbles the ball down the lane against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images16 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonDec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) drives to the basket against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images17 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonNov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made three point basket against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images18 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonNov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores forward Tyler Nickel (5) dribbles the ball past Texas Southern Tigers forward Anthony Andrews (8) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images19 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a three-pointer during their game against Lipscomb Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.20 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a basket during their game against Lipscomb Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.21 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Mary's Gaels guard Jordan Ross (2) dribbles defended by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) in the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images22 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images23 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) and Vanderbilt Commodores forward JaQualon Roberts (24) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images24 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonMar 21, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after being defeated by the St. Mary's Gaels at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images25 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonTexas guard Jordan Pope (0) drives up court past Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.26 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) puts up a shot over Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) during their first round game of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.27 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Nickel (5) during a NCAA college basketball first round game against Texas at the men’s Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt lost 79-72.28 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt’s Tyler Nickel (5) and JaQualon Roberts (24) walk off court after losing to Texas 79-72 in a NCAA college basketball first round game at the men’s Southeastern Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.29 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) brings the ball up the court against Arkansas during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.30 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonMar 4, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) drives to the basket as Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images31 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates after defeating Missouri 97-93 in overtime at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.32 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends against Missouri guard Mark Mitchell (25) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.33 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) shoots a three-point basket over Missouri guard Trent Pierce (11) forcing the game into overtime at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.34 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) bolts past Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.35 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonFeb 26, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies guard Wade Taylor IV (4) passes the ball as Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) defends during the second half at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images36 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonFeb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) drives against Mississippi Rebels forward Jaemyn Brakefield (4) during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images37 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonTennessee's Jahmai Mashack (15) defends Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel (5) during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.38 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonAuburn guard Tahaad Pettiford (0) tries to pass between Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) and guard Tyler Nickel (5) during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.39 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonTexas forward Arthur Kaluma (6) drives to the basket against Vanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.40 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) gestures after making a 3-point basket against Texas during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.41 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonJan 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) reacts after a made 3pt. basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images42 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) goes up for a shot against Kentucky Wildcats forward Brandon Garrison (10) during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.43 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Nickel (5) and Vanderbilt Commodores guard Chris Manon (30) celebrate their win over the Tennessee Volunteers after their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.44 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) celebrates 3 points against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.45 / 45Tyler Nickel, Vanderbilt basketball guard for Commodores, Mark ByingtonVanderbilt guard Tyler Nickel (5) looks to pass the ball as California forward Lee Dort (34) defends during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.How could Tyler Nickel have NCAA eligibility?As it currently stands, Nickel does not have eligibility remaining. However, some players in his situation have entered the transfer portal in hopes that the NCAA passes a rule it has been considering in which all athletes get five years of eligibility with no redshirts and limited waivers.
Without the rule, there is no argument Nickel can make to get eligibility. He did not suffer any injuries in college or have any situations that could lead to him having an argument for a waiver.
If the rule does pass, it is not clear how it would be implemented. Specifically, it is unknown whether the rule would retroactively apply to players like Nickel or only to players going forward.
Vanderbilt has had to move on in the roster-building process without Nickel. As a team with the goal to advance in the NCAA tournament, it cannot afford to hold a starting spot for a player whose eligibility is uncertain. The Commodores have already taken three starting-caliber transfers from the portal, and new roster limits mean teams cannot have more than 15 total players.
If the NCAA rule does pass, it's possible there could be an avenue to return to Vanderbilt if players like Nickel were excluded from roster limits to avoid teams making mass cuts to try to bring back fifth-years. But this is unknown right now. If Nickel were to be eligible but count against the roster limit, he'd have to find a team with an open spot.
Nickel must go in the portal now to keep all his options open due to a new NCAA rule that levies heavy punishments against teams that take transfers who did not go in the portal. With Nickel in the portal now, he does not need to commit anywhere until and unless he is granted eligibility.
A group of fourth-year Vanderbilt athletes, led by football player Langston Patterson, already sued the NCAA this fall looking to receive an injunction granting them a fifth year. These athletes argued that the NCAA's redshirt rule prevented them from making a fifth year of NIL money that was available to other athletes.
However, these players were not granted an injunction, which likely closes the door to Nickel being able to successfully sue for the same thing.
USA TODAY Sports writer John Brice contributed to this report.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tyler Nickel of Vanderbilt basketball enters transfer portal without eligibility