Colts GM Chris Ballard Slams Prospect of NFL Veterans Returning to College
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Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney voice strong opposition to professional players seeking collegiate eligibility under new NCAA models.
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has reacted with disbelief to the possibility of professional football players returning to the collegiate ranks, as CBS Sports first reported. Speaking Tuesday, Ballard described the notion of athletes leaving the NFL to resume college careers as "the stupidest shit I've ever heard," according to CBS Sports. He noted that players spend their entire lives fighting to reach the NFL, making the idea of retreating to college illogical.
The controversy stems from a new five-for-five eligibility model passed by the NCAA, which CBS Sports reports has led several professional players to file eligibility lawsuits to secure a fifth year of college football. While no players from the Indianapolis Colts have filed for temporary restraining orders against the NCAA, the trend has created friction between professional and collegiate levels.
Some college programs have actively sought to integrate former pros into their rosters. CBS Sports reports that LSU, under coach Lane Kiffin, has targeted three specific players: Junior Tuihalamaka, Zxavian Harris, and Dae'Quan Wright. This push has drawn criticism from other collegiate leaders. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told CBS Sports that the current state of college football is "embarrassing," though he clarified that he does not blame the athletes attempting to utilize the system.
Administrative bodies have moved to block the practice. According to CBS Sports, the NFL intends to bar any player who goes back to college this season from signing an NFL contract until the 2026 campaign concludes. Similarly, the SEC and Big Ten conferences implemented bans on NFL players returning to college, a move that was subsequently followed by the rest of the Power Four conferences.
Despite these bans, legal battles continue. CBS Sports reports that LSU players are currently in a legal standoff with the SEC. Furthermore, administrators at other schools within the SEC have threatened to expel LSU due to the program's roster plans.