NCAA immediately restores Penn State's playoff eligibility, returns scholarships in 2015-16

The NCAA announced Monday that Penn State is officially eligible to return to post-season football.

In a release, the NCAA's Executive Committee said the decision was made due to Penn States significant compliance.

The Committee's action endorses recommendations made by George Mitchell in his report also released Monday. Mitchell is the university's athletic oversight monitor. 

“Penn State has made remarkable progress over the past year,” said Harris Pastides, Board member and University of South Carolina president. “The board members and I believe the Executive Committee’s decision is the right one. It allows both the university and the association to continue to move toward a common goal of ensuring that educating, nurturing and protecting young people is a top priority.”

The committee met Monday with the NCAA D-I Board of Directors and presidents from the Big Ten Conference prior to taking a vote of action, where Mitchell briefed the group on his conclusions.

“Penn State’s commitment to the integrity of its athletics department and its progress toward meeting the requirements of the Consent Decree are clear,” said Northern Arizona President Rita Hartung Cheng, who chaired Monday’s executive committee meeting. “We thank Senator Mitchell for his meticulous and exhaustive work over the past two years. Mitchell’s efforts and the dedication of Penn State officials made today’s decisions possible.”