Lausanne junior quarterback Thomas Heffner has been deemed ineligible for most of the 2026 season by the TSSAA, his father Antonio Heffner confirmed to The Commercial Appeal on Aug. 18.
Heffner, rated as the top quarterback in the Memphis area by The Commercial Appeal, transferred from Melrose to Lausanne ahead of the 2026 season. He needed a hardship waiver because it's his second transfer after he left Olive Branch for Melrose. The waiver was denied, and a subsequent appeal was also denied by the TSSAA.
"They just sent an email saying denied," Antonio Heffner said. "They didn't say why."
Tennessee signed its one-time transfer rule into law last February paving the way for Tennessee high school athletes to gain immediate eligibility after one transfer.
The TSSAA's Legislative Council amended the TSSAA’s bylaws in April and the council approved that amendment, bringing the TSSAA into compliance with Tennessee state law.
The rule allows athletes to transfer schools one time without a bona fide change of address and gain immediate eligibility, as long as it's their first transfer.
Any athlete with an athletic record who has already transferred one time — including those who transferred with a bona fide change of address or those who transferred under the TSSAA's previous one-time exception for non-athletic reasons — will not be allowed an additional transfer unless they receive a hardship waiver.
Thomas Heffner's ineligibility runs for one year from the end of Melrose's 2025 season, Antonio Heffner said. The Golden Wildcats lost in the Class 3A state quarterfinals to Westview, so Heffner could theoretically be eligible to return if Lausanne makes it to the Division II-AA semifinals.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Heffner threw for for 2,049 yards and 32 touchdowns as a sophomore at Melrose. He also rushed for 468 yards and eight touchdowns. He has offers from Arizona State, Memphis, Tulane and others.
"Right now, we're really just talking around to college coaches," Antonio Heffner said. "Trying to see what's best so it doesn't have a negative impact on his recruitment."
Lausanne's offense had major potential in 2026 with Heffner and four-star receiver Lawrence Britt (a Missouri commit). Britt is a former middle school quarterback and could be an option there with Heffner out. Britt was ranked No. 2 on the Commercial Appeal's 2026 Dandy Dozen list.
Heffner is still allowed to practice and be with the team throughout the season. The Lynx begin their season when they face Southwind on Aug. 21.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Lausanne QB Thomas Heffner's ruled ineligible to start TSSAA football season
