The NFL has reiterated to its clubs that any player returning to college football for the 2026 season after signing and being cut from an NFL contract will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season. This directive was communicated in a memo obtained by ESPN and impacts players such as tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who cleared waivers after being released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this week.

Wright was anticipated to sign with LSU, reuniting with his former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, who took over the LSU head coaching position mid-season following Brian Kelly's departure. However, the NFL's warning complicates such moves, as players returning to college after professional participation will remain free agents and will be ineligible to enter future NFL Drafts.

This development comes amid a turbulent college sports landscape, with multiple players attempting to return to college athletics despite prior professional experience, stirring controversy within the NCAA. In response, conferences including the SEC and Big Ten—soon to be joined by the ACC and Big 12—have introduced new eligibility guidelines barring players with professional sports experience from reentering college athletics.

Critics have described these conference actions as "cartel-like conduct," arguing they are reactive measures to court injunctions against NCAA rules. It has also been noted that the SEC’s actions place the NCAA in contempt of multiple court orders.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been involved in addressing these ongoing issues, emphasizing the league's stance on player eligibility and professional transitions.

Sources