NCAA Sanctions Strip Tyson Bagent of Stats, Costing Him Claim as No. 2 All-Time TD Record-holder
- Drew Pitzer
- May 26
- 3 min read
Shepherdstown, WV
By Andrew Pitzer | Analyst/Commentator, HomeTeamSports TV
Talk about a defeat. An all-time great college quarterback lost many of his stats for all time.
Former Shepherd University quarterback and current Chicago Bears signal caller Tyson Bagent has been stripped of all of his college football statistics recorded after Week 2 of the 2021 NCAA Division II season, following an NCAA ruling over “unapproved financial aid” for him.
As a result, Bagent officially loses his claim to the No. 2 spot on the NCAA’s all-time passing touchdowns list. He had been atop the list after the 2021 season. The NCAA confirmed Monday that Bagent was deemed ineligible only from Week 3 onward in the 2021 season, and that he retains all eligibility and statistics prior to that date. Still, the sanctions erased nearly 95% of his record-setting campaign, severely altering the legacy of one of Division II’s most-decorated quarterbacks.
Despite the ruling, Bagent will keep his 2021 Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the top player in Division II football.“It is absolutely unfair to lose this incredible record,” Bagent told HomeTeamSports TV. “Also, our team and Coach (Ernie) McCook have been stripped of wins, along with our regional championship. That’s devastating for all of us who put in the work.”
The ruling also hits Shepherd McCook, who has been retroactively stripped of 26 career victories, dropping his win total from 51 to 25. In addition, the Rams’ 2021 Super Region 1 championship — one of the program’s most storied seasons — has been vacated.
Fans and Former Teammates Outraged: “This Wasn’t on Tyson”
The NCAA’s decision has triggered widespread backlash among Shepherd fans, alumni and former players, many of whom say Bagent is taking the fall for a mistake made by university administration. “Tyson didn’t apply for some backdoor payment. His aid was approved by the financial aid office. Why should a student-athlete suffer for a paperwork error he had no control over?” asked a longtime friend of Bagent
Social media has lit up with frustration over the decision, with most of the sentiment indicating the punishment should have fallen on the university, not Bagent or McCook. “This is outrageous,” one Shepherd alumnus said. “The NCAA is punishing the wrong people.
Coach McCook deserves his wins back, and Bagent deserves his legacy. Shepherd’s internal oversight should be under the microscope, not the players."
Others in the DII community voiced concern that this ruling sets a dangerous precedent. “If schools can mishandle aid and the athlete is left to deal with the consequences, we’ve got a broken system,” said a former DII compliance officer.
What Could Happen Next at Shepherd?
Shepherd released a brief statement last week saying it is “reviewing the NCAA’s findings and intends to fully cooperate with all proceedings.” However, many are calling on the university to formally appeal the ruling and take accountability for what has been described as a compliance failure, not a player infraction.
Potential future implications for the program could include:
•Reduced athletic scholarship allotments
•Probationary status
•Required NCAA compliance monitoring
•Potential postseason bans
For now, Bagent says his focus is on his professional future as he'll begin his third season with the Bears. “My obligation remains to be the best player I can be for the Chicago Bears,” he said. “But the NCAA’s decision hurts — not just for me, but for everyone who was a part of those moments.”
As the fallout continues, one thing remains clear: Tyson Bagent’s impact at Shepherd won’t be forgotten, even if the record books no longer reflect it.
Stay with HomeTeamSports TV and Drew Pitzer for continued coverage on this developing story.
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