IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Big Ten has forwarded Iowa’s petition for a fifth year of eligibility for defensive end Drew Ott to the NCAA.

Iowa didn’t say if the NCAA has given the school a timetable on when it might rule on Ott’s situation.

Ott played in six games last season before tearing knee ligaments, ending his season.

Ott, who was a fourth-year senior in 2015, filed a medical hardship waiver request after the season.

Ott participated in last week’s NFL scouting combine in case the NCAA denies his appeal. But if he’s allowed to return for 2016, it’ll be a big boost for a defense that could be among the best in the Big Ten.