NFL Roster Cuts Trigger New Legal Push for College Football Returns
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Players who signed professional contracts are seeking lawsuits to bypass NCAA eligibility rules following a Colorado court ruling.
The landscape of college football eligibility is facing new volatility as players who signed NFL contracts attempt to return to the collegiate game, according to CBS Sports. While District Judge Charlotte Sweeney previously clarified on Aug. 2 that NCAA rules still prohibit players who signed NFL contracts from returning to school, CBS Sports reports that teams are maintaining contact with players regarding potential returns.
As the Aug. 30 NFL roster cutdown deadline approaches, some undrafted free agents and previously released undrafted rookies are exploring paths back to college. CBS Sports reports that 16 players, including former LSU standout and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Jack Pyburn, were granted a temporary restraining order in Louisiana on Wednesday. This legal action opens a window for those players to return to college football in 2026.
Other athletes are seeking similar legal remedies. CBS Sports notes that a small group of players, including former Arizona State All-Big 12 Myles Rowser, recently secured temporary restraining orders that provide eligibility protection and the ability to enter the transfer portal, regardless of the outcome of a pending ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.
This movement follows the Colorado preliminary injunction, which has already seen players like Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley return to the college game after previously being ineligible. CBS Sports reports that Daley contributed 19 tackles for loss last season for the national champion Hoosiers.