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Sport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: Injuries

Jack Pyburn faces decision between NFL and NCAA after preseason performance

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 10:04 PM

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Jack Pyburn faces decision between NFL and NCAA after preseason performance
Summary

Jack Pyburn is uncertain about his future following the Buccaneers' preseason game. The rookie edge rusher is weighing his options between remaining with Tampa Bay or returning to college football, thanks to a temporary restraining order granted by a Louisiana judge. This order allows him to possibly extend his college eligibility and has attracted interest from schools like Miami. Pyburn signed a three-year, $3.1 million contract with Tampa Bay after going undrafted, impressing with two sacks in his preseason debut against the Jets. A hearing regarding the NCAA's opposition to the ruling is expected at the end of August, coinciding with NFL roster cuts.

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Status Watch
  • •Jack Pyburn remains undecided about NFL or college football.
  • •Pyburn received a temporary restraining order allowing possible college eligibility.
  • •He impressed with two sacks in his preseason debut.
  • •A hearing on the NCAA's appeal is scheduled for late August.
  • •NFL rosters must be finalized by the end of the month.
Latest Updates
  • 10:04 PMYahoo Sports — Bucs Rookie Opens Up on Potential NFL Exit, Return to College
  • 5:20 AMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers news: Even Jack Pyburn doesn't know if he will play in the NFL, NCAA next month
What they're saying
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Jack Pyburn is living one of the strangest limbos in football right now , and even he can’t say how it ends. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason game, the rookie edge rusher admitted he doesn’t know when he’ll have to choose between sticking with the Buccaneers or returning to college football. For now, his answer is simple: he’s focused on […] The post Buccaneers news: Even Jack Pyburn doesn't know if he will play in the NFL, NCAA next month appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie UDFA Jack Pyburn made headlines last week when he recorded two sacks in a preseason game and sued the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility to return to play at LSU. The return after playing in an NFL game would be unprecedented to this point, and Pyburn is still competing […] The post Bucs Rookie Opens Up on Potential NFL Exit, Return to College appeared first on HEAVY.

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