NFL Clarifies Rules on Players Returning to College After Signing with Professional Teams

The NFL is addressing the rules regarding players who wish to return to college after signing with a professional team. The league is expected to inform clubs on Wednesday that a player returning to college this season will not be allowed to sign with an NFL team during that year, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Additionally, the NFL will provide guidance on the status of players released by teams. Schefter reported that a player signed to an NFL contract who is subsequently cut becomes a free agent. This player may sign with another NFL club, the Canadian Football League (CFL), or return to college, but will not be eligible for a future draft. This clarification comes as several players have considered returning to college after being on NFL rosters this summer. Last week, Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright entered the transfer portal after being waived by the team and subsequently arranged to return to Louisiana State University (LSU) for a fifth college season. Former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is also seeking to join Lane Kiffin’s team after being released by the New Orleans Saints. In response to this situation, college conferences have quickly moved to prevent former professionals from returning to college football. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) unanimously adopted a policy on Tuesday that prohibits its programs from including players who have signed with or participated in a professional team. The Big Ten announced plans to implement a similar rule on the same day. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big 12 are also expected to follow suit, according to ESPN. The issue has gained attention due to court challenges involving players from the high school class of 2022, who were excluded from the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility framework. A Louisiana judge recently granted temporary relief to a group that included Wright and Harris, allowing them to pursue college returns after brief NFL stints.