NFL’s Stance on Returning College Players and NCAA’s New Eligibility Rules

The NFL recently restated its position on players returning to college. The league informed teams that players going back to college cannot sign with an NFL team during the season. This decision could affect players from various sports seeking to rejoin college athletics.

One notable case is tight end Dae’Quan Wright. After being released by the Cleveland Browns, Wright aimed to join LSU with former coach Lane Kiffin. The Browns’ action allowed Wright to clear waivers but did not alter the NFL’s existing policy.

According to a memo shared by ESPN, the NFL clarified that any player released from an NFL team becomes a free agent. However, returning to college makes them ineligible for that season. If such a player rejoins college athletics for the 2026 season, their free-agent status remains, preventing entry into future NFL Drafts.

A similar situation involves Zxavian Harris, released by the New Orleans Saints. Harris and Wright, past teammates at Ole Miss, are expected to reconnect with Kiffin at LSU. Despite obtaining a temporary restraining order granting them another year of eligibility, new guidelines from major conferences have complicated matters.

The SEC and Big Ten, soon to be joined by the ACC and Big 12, announced new rules. These guidelines prevent professional athletes, those who declared for the NFL Draft, or attended pro training camps, from participating in their competitions.

Attorney Ryan Downton, representing players affected by these changes, spoke to OutKick’s Trey Wallace. He said they are designing a legal strategy against the NCAA and specific conferences implementing these rules. Downton argued the SEC’s decision defies court orders, labeling it as monopoly-like behavior.