Hold up, sports fans, because the college football world entered uncharted territory this past Sunday when the Cleveland Browns waived Dae’Quan Wright. This isn’t some routine roster move; if Wright goes unclaimed, he is free to sign with a college team, and whispers say it is likely the LSU Tigers. Think about that for a second. A player who went through the NFL Draft, wasn’t picked, and was *actively participating* in preseason, could be back on a college campus. And get this: according to CBS Sports, Wright won’t be the only one doing this. This whole wild situation hinges on a super minor detail in a judge’s ruling.
The Judge’s Ruling, The Loophole, And The Chaos
You’d think once you sign an NFL contract or even declare for the NFL Draft, your college days are done, right? Head coaches like Dan Lanning certainly believe that. But this scenario with Dae’Quan Wright shows us a different reality. Judge Sweeney had clarified on August 2nd that NCAA rules would still apply regarding players who have signed NFL contracts and are therefore ineligible to return to college. So, what gives? Brad Crawford of CBS Sports reports that sources say teams have remained in contact with different players about a potential return to school, despite Sweeney’s clarification. This Louisiana temporary restraining order (TRO) has created a time-sensitive window for players currently in NFL training camps or on the cut bubble. NFL teams are set to trim their final rosters to 53 players on August 30th. That deadline could create massive opportunities for released players to jump straight back into college football for the 2026 season on a NIL or revenue share contract.
The Uncharted Waters of Modern College Sports
It sounds like a stretch, but this is the exact reason Wright can return to college football. Once a player gets released, they are no longer bound to an NFL contract. That’s the key. Players who fit the criteria outlined in that temporary restraining order and get released from their NFL teams can now enter the transfer portal. This is unprecedented. What stops a Day 3 NFL Draft pick from getting cut, then declining to join a practice squad, and instead returning to college football? As long as that player remains eligible, this ruling could absolutely allow them to do exactly that. It might seem unusual, but this is the reality of modern college sports we are seeing play out. Chances are, more NFL rookies will consider making this move. We are bound to see some fourth- or fifth-year players strongly considering a return to college. Fans are now left asking the million-dollar question: What is next for college football?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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