NFL warns clubs they cannot sign any player who returns to college football for 2026 season, memo says

The NFL has informed its clubs that players returning to college ranks after being released from NFL contracts will not be eligible to sign with a team this season. This policy also extends to future draft eligibility for players who played professionally before returning to college. Conferences like the SEC and Big Ten have implemented new guidelines making such players ineligible for conference competition, leading to legal challenges.

• NFL reiterated rules prohibiting players returning to college from signing with an NFL team this season.
• Players cut from NFL contracts are free agents but become ineligible for college football this season if they return.
• Returning players are also ineligible for the NFL Draft and future NFL contracts for a period.
• Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, cut by the Browns and Saints respectively, were expected to sign with LSU.
• Wright and Harris received temporary restraining orders for an extra year of eligibility.
• SEC and Big Ten introduced new guidelines making athletes who signed with pro teams ineligible for conference play.
• Legal strategies are being developed against the NCAA and conferences enacting these new guidelines.