NFL Reiterates Rule on Players Returning to College

The NFL has reminded teams that any player returning to college cannot sign with an NFL team for the current season. This announcement comes amid several players attempting to go back to collegiate sports after entering professional ranks. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, recently released by the Cleveland Browns, plans to join LSU, reuniting with former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

NFL Contract Rules

The league sent a memo, sourced by ESPN, highlighting that players released from NFL contracts become free agents. While they may sign with other NFL or CFL teams, returning to college makes them ineligible for the season. Additionally, players heading back to college will remain free agents, unable to enter future NFL Drafts.

Other players, like Zxavian Harris, released by the New Orleans Saints, also aim to join LSU under Kiffin’s guidance. Both Harris and Wright have secured a temporary restraining order, granting them another year in college football.

New Eligibility Guidelines

The SEC and Big Ten, soon to be joined by the ACC and Big 12, have instated new eligibility rules. These prevent athletes who signed with professional leagues, declared for drafts, or trained professionally from participating in conference play. The recent measures promise to impact players reinstated into college sports.

Attorney Ryan Downton, helping such players return, stated they are forming a legal approach against the NCAA and relevant conferences. He remarked to OutKick that recent SEC actions might defy court mandates and expressed concerns about conferences swiftly crafting new regulations.