NFL Rookies Granted College Eligibility Amid Big Ten Ban

The college football landscape is undergoing significant changes as the NIL era progresses. For the first time, players who have been on NFL rosters are eligible to return and play college football. A Louisiana judge has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), allowing several NFL rookies the chance to have a fifth year of college eligibility, even though they have already played professionally.

While these players can opt to participate in the NCAA next season, the Big Ten conference has passed a rule prohibiting them from joining Big Ten schools. 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. Anyone who has declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed a contract with a professional league cannot be on a Big Ten roster.

This decision by the Big Ten is significant because it may influence other conferences, especially among the Power 4 leagues, to adopt a similar stance. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is contemplating a similar rule, posing challenges for LSU head coach Lane Kiffin.

Expectations are that the SEC will discuss a similar rule at today’s meetings in Birmingham, On3’s Pete Nakos reported. Kiffin had already seized the opportunity to engage two NFL rookies recently cut from their teams: Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. Both players were part of Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad last season and could contribute to a national championship-contending team.

However, if the SEC implements a policy akin to the Big Ten’s, both players would be unable to join Kiffin at LSU. They might have to consider entering the transfer portal. Any other prominent NFL players who opt for another college season would also be unavailable to Kiffin.

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