A Louisiana judge recently issued a temporary restraining order that permits 16 former college football players, some of whom participated in NFL training camps and preseason games, to regain a fifth year of NCAA eligibility. This ruling challenges the NCAA’s strict policy that has traditionally barred players who sign professional contracts or play in professional events from returning to college sports. Among the players involved are three ex-Ole Miss athletes—Zxavian Harris, Dae’Quan Wright, and Wydett Williams—and others including former Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson and former LSU linebacker Jack Pyburn.

The lawsuit behind this ruling contests the NCAA’s new “age-based” eligibility policy enacted in June, which extended eligibility to five years starting from a player’s 19th birthday or college entry but excluded players who began college in 2022 and already used four years of eligibility. These players argued that they should have been grandfathered into the new rule. Plaintiff attorney Ryan Downton emphasized that players’ participation in NFL activities was in line with the NCAA rules at the time, and denying them additional eligibility is unfair given the NCAA’s earlier refusal to clarify or extend eligibility.

The judge’s order requires that players who signed professional contracts but wish to return to college football must terminate those contracts and repay any earnings before competing again in college games. It also removes transfer restrictions for these players, allowing them a week to enter the NCAA transfer portal if needed. While this ruling affects only the plaintiffs in Louisiana, it could pave the way for similar lawsuits across the country, prompting widespread reconsideration of NCAA eligibility enforcement and policies.

This decision has prompted public debate, drawing criticism from NCAA officials like SVP Tim Buckley, who expressed concern over the potential disruption to college sports, while plaintiff lawyers directly countered his remarks. The ruling has also caught the attention of lawmakers such as Senator Ted Cruz, who argues that congressional action is needed to resolve these eligibility conflicts. No comment has been received from the NFL or NFL Players Association regarding this development.