Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio criticizes NFL players returning to college

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio stated on September 1, 2026, that NFL players returning to college to compete is a ridiculous concept. Caserio argued that an individual should be classified as either a professional or an amateur athlete, noting that professional players reverting to college status complicates the evaluation process. While he stated the trend does not directly impact the current operations or roster management of the Houston Texans, he acknowledged the broader shift across sports, including basketball. The changing of college football, driven by lucrative player contracts, has incentivized some athletes to remain in the collegiate ranks longer. This trend potentially alters the talent pool and draft strategies for NFL teams. Caserio emphasized that if players choose to return to college, NFL teams will simply evaluate them using the standard collegiate process.

• 6:32 PMYahoo Sports — Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio calls NFL players going back to college "ridiculous"