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Jack Pyburn seeks return to college football amid eligibility battle

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 1:12 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Jack Pyburn seeks return to college football amid eligibility battle

Summary

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Jack Pyburn, alongside 15 others, has received a temporary restraining order granting them an extra year of college eligibility. The players, who signed NFL contracts, filed a lawsuit seeking to return to college football. Pyburn aims for a comeback after a torn ACL cut short his 2023 season at the University of Florida. Should he return, he could capitalize on lucrative NIL deals, potentially earning millions. If successful in his quest, the Buccaneers would retain his rights for a future return to the NFL.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Pyburn seeks an extra year of eligibility due to a previous ACL injury.
•He was granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to return to the NCAA.
•Pyburn has a contract with the Buccaneers worth $115,000 as a rookie free agent.
•Potential NIL earnings could vastly exceed his current NFL contract.
•The case is unprecedented for players who have signed NFL contracts.

Latest Updates

1:12 AMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers Rookie LB Pyburn Looking to Return to College Football

What they're saying

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A legal battle over college eligibility could see Tampa Bay’s rookie linebacker return to the NCAA, where lucrative NIL deals dwarf the deals of many NFL rookies.
— Yahoo Sports

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