In 1987, when Southern Methodist University got the NCAA’s so-called "death penalty," the University of Hawaii was able to pick up a linebacker without transfer restrictions.

Now, with Penn State players free to transfer to other schools as part of Monday’s NCAA-levied penalties, UH coach Norm Chow said, "we’re obviously going to look into (the situation)."

Returning Nittany Lions players and incoming recruits may transfer to other schools immediately and the transfer might not count against current scholarship limits at their new schools for 2012-13, the NCAA said.

Under a special dispensation from the NCAA, players would not be required to sit out a season before becoming eligible as is usually the case. In 1987 UH was able to add Ken Masterson, who started six games at inside linebacker.

While UH may not directly contact Penn State players about transferring, Chow said, "We’re very aware of it (the situation). We’ll check it out."

Schools are permitted to notify Penn State coaches and officials that they would be willing to talk to players who have an interest in leaving.

Chow is in Las Vegas, where he will take part in the Mountain West Conference football preview today and Wednesday.

The NCAA is also waiving the requirement that players receive permission from their current school to talk to other schools.

Moreover, the NCAA announced it is "considering waiving scholarship limits for programs to which these football student-athletes transfer, provided they reduce proportionately in the next year.

"For example, the limit is 25 new scholarships per year to a total of 85 scholarships. If the limits are waived in 2012-13 to accommodate one Penn State student-athlete who wishes to transfer to a particular school already at the limits, in 2013-14 the school will be limited to 24 new scholarships and 84 total scholarships."