Big Ten Instituting Ban on Players Returning From the NFL
A TRO was passed giving certain NFL rookies a fifth year of college eligibility, but they won't be able to play in the Big Ten.
Following a recent Louisiana judge's temporary restraining order that permits NFL rookies to return to college football for another year of eligibility, the Big Ten conference is taking a firm stance. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Big Ten will implement a new rule preventing players who have spent time on NFL rosters this summer from returning to their league.
"Anyone who has declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster or signed a contract with a pro league cannot be on a Big Ten roster," Thamel reported on X.
Two players, Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright from Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris from Ole Miss, have already decided to join LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. Additionally, four other players who were recently on NFL rosters have been granted a fifth year of college eligibility: 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.
Several prominent Big Ten head coaches have voiced their concerns about the potential impact of allowing players to return to college football after just a short stint in the NFL. Oregon's Dan Lanning and Ohio State's Ryan Day both emphasized the negative consequences of this decision. Lanning stated that once players go to the NFL, they should not have the opportunity to return.
Furthermore, he highlighted the fairness issue, as adding a player back to a roster would mean removing another player, potentially disadvantaging current team members who worked hard to secure their spots. Day agreed, adding that the conferences must decide where to draw the line to maintain fairness and avoid providing an unfair advantage to certain teams.
Both coaches expressed their disapproval of the situation, acknowledging that while they may not personally enjoy the idea, they feel it is necessary to ensure the sport remains fair for all players.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
