The landscape of college football is undergoing significant changes in the NIL era, with players who once played professionally now having a chance to return to college football. A legal decision in Louisiana has created an unprecedented opportunity for NFL rookies to return for a fifth year of college eligibility, despite their prior professional experience.
Recently, a Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) permitting several NFL rookies to reclaim their college eligibility. This decision allows them to play in NCAA events next season if they so choose. However, the eligibility debate has taken a turn with new developments in the Big Ten conference.
“Sources: The Big Ten is set to pass a rule today that doesn’t allow players to return from the NFL and play for a Big Ten school,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on X.
The Big Ten announced a rule change prohibiting players who have declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed with a professional league from joining Big Ten rosters. The conference’s stance impacts returning players, and may influence other major leagues, particularly the Power 4 conferences, to consider adopting similar policies.
This decision is particularly relevant for the SEC, which is deliberating over a comparable rule. The implications concern several teams, including LSU and its head coach, Lane Kiffin.
“Expectation is that the SEC will talk over a similar rule at today’s meetings in Birmingham. Big Ten has meeting later today,” On3’s Pete Nakos reported.
Kiffin has already sought to recruit two NFL rookies who were cut from their teams—the Cleveland Browns’ tight end Dae’Quan Wright and the New Orleans Saints’ defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both former Ole Miss players. These athletes are potential assets for Kiffin, but the implementation of a Big Ten-like SEC ban would prevent them from joining LSU, pushing them towards the transfer portal.
Other players affected by the eligibility discussion include Seattle Seahawks’ running back TJ Harden from SMU, Seahawks running back Anthony Hankerson of Oregon State, Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. from Ole Miss, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn from LSU. All were granted a fifth year of college eligibility, intensifying the conversations around this evolving situation in collegiate sports.