NFL Enforces Rule on Players Returning to College

Whether NFL players with extra eligibility can or should return to college remains unclear. Recent updates from the NFL highlight that players departing NFL camps for college cannot return to the league within the same season, nor can they be drafted in future seasons.

On “Get Up,” Adam Schefter, an ESPN NFL insider, discussed why a reminder about these rules was necessary. He highlighted an unprecedented movement of players between college and professional football. “These rules have been in place,” Schefter noted, “but the NFL needed to reinforce that a player leaving for college cannot return to the NFL that season and is ineligible for another draft.”

Schefter used Donte Whitner, a former safety and fellow panelist, as an example. “Donte Whitner can’t be picked as the eighth overall, then return to Ohio State, and expect another high pick opportunity. It doesn’t work like that,” Schefter explained. The memo followed the Dae’Quan Wright situation.

Dae’Quan Wright, previously in training camp with the Cleveland Browns, opted to play under Lane Kiffin at LSU. His choice represents this ongoing issue. Zxavian Harris, another player, left the New Orleans Saints to also join Kiffin at LSU.

“Once you’re in a draft, you’re not in any more drafts,” Schefter emphasized. “Leaving the NFL mid-season for college, like leaving the Browns for the LSU Tigers, keeps you out of the NFL for that season.”

While Schefter’s explanation of the rules is comprehensive, the future impacts on players like Wright are uncertain. “Many are watching to see how this decision affects Wright’s future prospects,” Schefter commented. “The outcome remains to be determined.”