The college football scene continues to change rapidly in the NIL era. For the first time, players who have been on NFL rosters are allowed to return to college football. A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order, enabling NFL rookies to regain a fifth year of college eligibility, despite having played professionally.
These players now have the option to compete in the NCAA next season. However, the Big Ten has implemented a rule that prevents them from joining any team within their conference. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, 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 is ineligible for a Big Ten roster.
This policy by the Big Ten might influence other leagues, particularly the Power 4 conferences. The SEC is contemplating a similar approach, which could adversely affect LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Pete Nakos from On3 reported that the SEC is set to discuss this rule during its meetings in Birmingham.
Kiffin had recently attempted to bring back two NFL rookies, Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both of whom played for him at Ole Miss last season. These players have the potential to earn starting roles on a national championship-aspiring team.
If the SEC follows the Big Ten’s lead, Wright and Harris would need to consider transferring elsewhere as they couldn’t join LSU in Baton Rouge. This would also affect Kiffin’s pursuit of other prominent players seeking to return for another college season.
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 received eligibility to return to college football for another year.