NCAA Eligibility Expansion Under Legal Scrutiny

The evolving nature of college football in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) era has witnessed a significant development. For the first time, players previously on NFL rosters might return to play college football.

A judge in Louisiana has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that permits several NFL rookies to return for a fifth year of college eligibility, even though they have technically played at a professional level. This ruling allows these players to participate in the NCAA next season if they choose to do so.

However, the Big Ten has introduced a rule to prevent these players from participating in their conference. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the rule stipulates that players who declared for the NFL Draft, did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed a contract with a professional league are not eligible to join Big Ten teams.

This decision by the Big Ten is noteworthy, as other major conferences may consider adopting a similar stance. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is currently contemplating a similar policy, which could have implications for LSU 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 had recently recruited two NFL rookies who were released by their teams — Cleveland Browns’ former tight end Dae’Quan Wright and New Orleans Saints’ former defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. Both players were from Ole Miss, where they played under Kiffin. There is strong potential for them to secure starting positions on a national championship contender.

If the SEC proceeds with a ban similar to the Big Ten’s, these players would be unable to join Kiffin in Baton Rouge and might need to enter the transfer portal. This restriction would also affect Kiffin’s opportunities to sign other high-profile returnees.

Additionally, four more NFL rookies — Seattle Seahawks’ running back TJ Harden from SMU, Seahawks’ running back Anthony Hankerson from Oregon State, Arizona Cardinals’ safety Wydett Williams Jr. from Ole Miss, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ linebacker Jack Pyburn from LSU — have also been granted a fifth year of college eligibility.