Modern college football faces a new controversy just days before the 2026 season kickoff, as a series of court cases stemming from the NCAA's addition of a fifth year of eligibility now permits several former NFL players to return to college football.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day expressed concern over this development, emphasizing the unfairness to current players who may have to compete for roster spots against athletes with NFL training camp experience. "I told myself I would stop saying this is crazy," Day remarked, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the situation.

Day also noted the competitive pressures driving programs to add these experienced players. "In order to keep up with other top teams, NCAA created this mess," he said, referencing LSU's plan to add Dae’Quan Wright, a former NFL player, marking the first such return.

"Whenever I heard that we were in a meeting and someone says, 'Yeah, LSU just got a commitment from the Browns’ tight end,' I said, 'we are definitely in a different world right now,'" Day added.

He called on conferences to establish a roster lock deadline to prevent last-minute additions that disrupt team dynamics and fairness. The NCAA's eligibility changes, influenced by a 2022 Colorado judge's ruling, have reshaped college sports, creating new challenges for coaches and players alike.

Sources