The 6-foot-1 native of Kenton, Ohio, began his college career at Wake Forest where he missed some time in 2003 because of a foot injury from his high school days.

The University of Cincinnati said on its Web site that Mauk's request was denied because of a lack of needed medical documents from Wake Forest.

"This is just another step through the NCAA process and is nothing out of the ordinary," Cincinnati Coach Brian Kelly said. "The next step in the NCAA process will give Ben his first opportunity to speak directly with the Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee."

Last season, Mauk completed 235 of 386 passes (60.9 percent) for 3,121 yards with a school record 31 touchdowns.

He earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Wake Forest in 2007 and is pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice at Cincinnati.