Fifth-year offensive lineman Cole Hutson was nowhere to be seen on the field during the Texas Longhorns’ 58-7 stomping of the Texas State Bobcats, and head coach Steve Sarkisian just confirmed why: Hutson is currently ineligible. While 70-plus players suited up and saw action for the Horns in that dominant win, Hutson wasn’t even listed on the depth chart, and now we know he’s in a serious holding pattern with the NCAA.
The Ineligibility Hammer Falls, But From Where?
Sarkisian didn’t mince words, stating Hutson is “technically today he is ineligible, not because of the ruling, because of something different when it comes to the NCAA that he’s working through.” This isn’t just a minor paperwork issue; Hutson is knee-deep in an appeals process, fighting for his chance to wear the burnt orange and white again. The coach’s comments make it clear this isn’t a simple fix, and the situation is tangled up in the sometimes-murky world of NCAA compliance. It’s a huge blow for the player, especially when Texas is rolling, and every snap matters.
The SEC Drops Another Bomb on Hutson’s Future
As if the NCAA drama wasn’t enough, Hutson’s path back to the field just got way more complicated thanks to the SEC. Last month, the Southeastern Conference unanimously voted 16-0 to enforce a strict policy: no member institutions can roster athletes with professional draft, contract, or roster ties. Sarkisian made it a point to say that he believes Hutson’s situation is “a little different category” than other players trying to return to college after being on an NFL roster, a move the coach himself has called “morally wrong.” He stressed that Hutson “never signed a professional contract, he was never technically a professional player,” only trying out with the Cowboys and Browns. But even with that distinction, the SEC’s strong stance adds another massive hurdle.
For now, Cole Hutson remains stuck in limbo. His future hinges on both the NCAA clearing him and then the SEC giving their blessing. “We’ll leave it up to the NCAA, and then we’ll leave it up to the to the SEC to determine if he’s eligible to play for us or not,” Sarkisian said. It’s a tough spot for a player who just wants to get back on the field, and it’s a situation where he just has to wait and see what happens next.
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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