Barnes discusses age limits for college athletes returning from pro ranks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 8:37 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Matt Barnes, co-host of the “All the Smoke” podcast, expressed concerns about former professional athletes rejoining college sports at older ages. In an interview with the California Post, Barnes argued against 25- to 27-year-olds competing alongside younger players, suggesting college should focus on development and education for younger athletes. He called for a hard age cap to address what he sees as an imbalance, particularly highlighting issues around the transfer portal. His comments come amid ongoing debates about the evolving of college athletics.
- •Matt Barnes voiced concerns about older athletes in college sports.
- •He suggests implementing a hard age cap for players.
- •Barnes argues college sports should focus on youth development.
- •His comments were made in an interview with the California Post.
- •Discussion aligns with ongoing debates around the transfer portal.
- 8:37 AMYahoo Sports — “Outside of even NIL and the portal, I just don’t like …
"“Outside of even NIL and the portal, I just don’t like …
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