NFL Players Returning to College Football Explained

The world of college football is changing by the day. But who wouldn’t want to return to college for one final year?

That is what is happening with a handful of college football players who left school for the NFL. They went to NFL training camps, spent time with teams, and are now suing to return to the college ranks. So what is going on with this situation?

Explaining how NFL players are returning to college football

This situation came into the news when the Cleveland Browns were dealing with a truly unique situation. Newly-signed tight end Dae’Quan Wright decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Yes, while he was a member of an NFL roster.

#Browns TE Dae’Quan Wright, who is entering the NCAA transfer portal, is still with the team and is warming up today.

(@dan_labbe) pic.twitter.com/K5MOdFx3jC

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) August 22, 2026

The Browns have since waived him and he is set to join the LSU Tigers if/when he clears the waiver process. The chances of a team claiming him seem very remote given his desire to return to school.

Fans are left wondering if this is going to become a new trend. Luckily, this seems to be a specific situation that only applies to a small group of athletes.

The NCAA recently changed eligibility rules to give players five total years in a five-year span. Players like Wright left school after four years before this rule change, and successfully sued in a Louisiana court to be reinstated for one final year.

However, the Big Ten Conference came out Tuesday and said they won’t allow NFL players to return to their programs. So this is an isolated thing with SEC schools who will seemingly do anything to win, even if it means signing players right out of NFL camps.

The NIL era of college football is still the Wild West and the rules are changing by the day. The good news is the trend of NFL players returning to college should only be a 2026 thing given the recent rule change.