The NFL recently reminded teams about the eligibility rules concerning players returning to college after joining an NFL camp. A memo from the NFL states that players who decide to leave the NFL to return to college cannot rejoin the NFL that season and are ineligible for future NFL drafts.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter discussed the rule on Thursday’s “Get Up.” Schefter noted the reminder was necessary due to the unusual movement between college and professional football levels. “These rules have been in place but needed reinforcement,” Schefter explained. “A player leaving the NFL to go back to college isn’t allowed to return to the NFL in the same season, nor can they enter another draft.”
Schefter used former safety Donte Whitner as an example, explaining that a player couldn’t be drafted, then return to college, and re-enter the draft. “Donte Whitner can’t go be the eighth overall pick one year, go back to Ohio State, and come back as another high pick. It doesn’t work like that,” Schefter said.
The situation became prominent with Dae’Quan Wright, who was in Cleveland Browns’ training camp but chose to return to college under coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. Similarly, Zxavian Harris left the New Orleans Saints to play for Kiffin at LSU.
“Once you’re in a draft, you’re not in any more drafts,” Schefter emphasized, noting the finality for players choosing to return to college.
Schefter highlighted the ongoing curiosity about the long-term effects on players like Wright, stating that the impact on their career and stock remains to be assessed as the situation develops.