The college football landscape seems to always keep evolving in the NIL era, and for the first time ever, players who were on NFL rosters could return to play college ball. A Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) allowing several NFL rookies the opportunity to return for a fifth year of college eligibility despite having technically played professionally. While those players can play in the NCAA next season if they choose, the Big Ten passed a rule on Tuesday banning them for playing in their conference.
In fact, the SEC is considering following suit, which is bad news for LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Big Ten has meeting later today,” On3’s Pete Nakos reported. Kiffin already pounced on two NFL rookies who were recently cut from their respective teams — Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris.
Both played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss, and both will not likely compete for (or be given) starting jobs on a potential national championship contender. If the SEC implemented a Big Ten-like ban, both players wouldn't be able to join Kiffin in Baton Rouge and would likely enter the transfer portal. Should any other high-profile players return for another college season, Kiffin would be out of the running for them as well.
Four other NFL rookies — Seattle Seahawks running back TJ Harden (SMU), Seahawks running back Anthony Hankerson (Oregon State), Arizona Cardinals safety Wydett Williams Jr. (Ole Miss), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn (LSU) — were also granted a fifth year of college eligibility.
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