NFL reiterates ban on signing players who rejoin college football
The NFL issued a memo to clubs stating that any player cut and returning to college cannot sign with a team for the 2026 season. Such players remain free agents but are ineligible for NFL play this year. The rule affects players like Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris.
The NFL's memo, distributed Wednesday, clarifies that players who clear waivers and then rejoin college programs retain free-agent status but cannot play in the league until the 2027 season. This applies to tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both released this week and expected to reunite with Lane Kiffin at LSU. The pair secured temporary restraining orders granting them an extra year of college eligibility.
The situation has triggered a broader policy response. The SEC and Big Ten, soon joined by the ACC and Big 12, adopted guidelines barring athletes who signed pro contracts, declared for the draft, or attended pro camps from conference competition. Attorney Ryan Downton, representing affected players, said a legal strategy is being developed against the NCAA and conferences.
This ruling could create a significant legal gray zone for players navigating the boundary between professional and college athletics. Athletes like Wright and Harris may face difficult choices between immediate NFL eligibility and returning to school, potentially discouraging undrafted players from pursuing college completion. The conflicting rules between the NFL, NCAA, and conferences could prompt litigation that reshapes eligibility standards, affecting how future players weigh professional opportunities against educational goals.