Louisiana Court Ruling Opens Door for NFL Players to Return to College
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A temporary order prevents the NCAA from enforcing rules against players with professional contracts, sparking concerns of a lawsuit surge.
A Louisiana judge issued an order Wednesday allowing double-digit football players to return to college sports in 2026 by prohibiting the NCAA from enforcing rules that block players who signed professional contracts from returning, as CBS Sports first reported.
The ruling specifically applies to players involved in the lawsuit as a temporary measure. Among those named are Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright and Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher Jack Pyburn. CBS Sports reports that Wright, a former Ole Miss star, entered the transfer portal on Thursday.
While the order is limited, CBS Sports sources indicate it may "open the floodgates" for future legal challenges. Personnel staffers expect a wave of cases from players who signed NFL contracts but were subsequently released, as well as undrafted rookies facing the Aug. 30 roster cutdown day.
College front offices are now scrambling to assess the impact. CBS Sports reports that championship-contending teams, including Ole Miss and LSU, are interested in potentially adding players via the portal or bringing back former athletes. However, other programs are hesitant due to concerns regarding locker room chemistry.
The development also creates uncertainty within the SEC. Despite a memo from Commissioner Greg Sankey stating that intraconference transfer restrictions remain in place, CBS Sports sources suggest the wording of the Louisiana lawsuit might allow players to circumvent those rules. The SEC did not respond to requests for comment from CBS Sports.