The return of NFL players to college football has become a conundrum like no other in recent years. With the eligibility rules implemented for the 2026-27 season, colleges have been recruiting drafted former college players. These are players who were in camp and went on to be cut. The SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten have made new rules on NFL players returning for a fifth year of eligibility. They promptly implemented new rules to allow more power to commissioners. The conferences can enforce penalties aimed at discouraging the addition of former professionally athletes across multiple major sports.
According to ESPN, the rule states that institutions are not permitted to roster any athlete who has:
- Previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft and did not appropriately withdraw.
- Signed a contract with an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G League, or WNBA (or affiliate) team.
- Been listed on an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G League, or WNBA (or affiliate) roster.
The penalties for breaking the intricacies of this rule could have a serious impact. Examples of penalties include a half-season suspension for a coach, a fine matching 50% of the sport’s annual budget, and the revocation of league voting rights. These kinds of penalties can be extremely detrimental to the success of these programs both now and moving forward. All of these punishments are to be enforced by SEC Commissioner George Sankey.
We have already had this rule tested in the past few weeks. Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former St. John’s guard RJ Luis Jr both looked to return. Both have been cleared by the Louisiana court system to play for LSU’s football and basketball teams. They both received the required restraining orders necessary to play collegiate ball again after taking their shots at going professional. The real question at play here is whether challenge as they already signed LSU will seek to.
Photo Cred: Ole Miss
Overall, the NFL, NCAA, and sports fans and analysts alike agree that professional athletes have no place returning to the collegiate level. It is understandable that when a seemingly free-agent player who is now eligible becomes available, schools would want to jump into action and recruit them. But it is common sense that if you bet on yourself and test the waters of the professional scene, then you are officially done with college ball.
