Judge rules some NFL players can enter the transfer portal, return to college football in 2026
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- A federal judge in Louisiana granted a temporary restraining order allowing former college football players who sued the NCAA to enter the transfer portal, even if they are currently on NFL rosters.
- This ruling follows a Colorado judge's decision granting the high school class of 2022 a fifth season of eligibility, which the NCAA is appealing; however, the Louisiana TRO specifically permits transfer portal access ahead of the 2026 college football season.
- Players have one week to enter the transfer portal, and the NCAA must justify in court any objections to their eligibility for the portal.
- The group includes notable players like former Florida and LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, and several former Ole Miss players, some of whom are currently on NFL rosters or recently cut from teams.
- The ruling highlights ongoing issues with NCAA eligibility and amateurism rules, potentially prompting a recruiting surge as players with NFL experience consider returning to college football.
