Recent decisions by a Louisiana judge have permitted a group of NFL rookies to rejoin college football for an additional year of eligibility. In response, one major college football conference is opposing this move.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Big Ten plans to implement a new rule barring these players who have spent time on NFL rosters this summer from playing in their league. Thamel reported, “The Big Ten is set to pass a rule today that prevents players from returning from the NFL and playing for a Big Ten school. Any player who declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed a contract with a pro league cannot be included on a Big Ten roster.”
Already, two players, Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris from Ole Miss, have agreed to join Lane Kiffin at LSU. Likewise, Seattle Seahawks running backs TJ Harden from SMU and Anthony Hankerson from Oregon State, Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. from Ole Miss, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn from LSU were given a fifth year of college eligibility.
Prominent Big Ten head coaches, Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Ohio State’s Ryan Day, have voiced concerns regarding the implications of returning NFL rookies to college football. Lanning stated, “There are several negatives associated with this decision. Once you leave for the NFL, you are in the NFL, without the chance to return. Additionally, rebuilding rosters with limited spots means displacing players who have dedicated their summers and springs preparing to contribute to their teams.”
I don’t think that’s fair to the players who worked all summer and spring, and put themselves in a position to be ready to work for a team, to have someone come back. Allowing these players to return is unfair to the sport and those currently on teams.
Ohio State’s Ryan Day added, “Conferences need to establish a point where rosters are locked because adding these players gives certain teams an advantage. Although I don’t favor any aspect of this situation, we must prioritize Ohio State’s best interests. There must be a defined point where rosters are finalized.”