A group of NFL players has been allowed to rejoin college football for the upcoming season. This move highlights issues within the current era of college sports. On August 20, a court granted 16 players from the 2022 class a temporary restraining order against the NCAA. This gives them an extra year of eligibility.
Among these players are former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn. Both have participated in NFL training camps. Despite the start of the college football season on August 29, these players have the option to enter the transfer portal, thanks to a judicial order in Louisiana. Wright has seized the chance by entering the portal, while also playing for the Cleveland Browns recently.
“A lot of negatives come with this,” stated Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. “When you join the NFL, you shouldn’t be able to return to college football. Also, with roster limitations, welcoming someone back means removing another player, which isn’t fair.”
Coach Lanning voices a sentiment shared by many fans and analysts. His comments carry significant weight given his role at a prominent program. The legal case in Louisiana emerged after the NCAA introduced a five-year eligibility model based on age. Athletes now have five years to complete five seasons, starting from either their 19th birthday or their enrollment at a college.