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NFL confirms players returning to college ineligible for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 9:48 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

NFL confirms players returning to college ineligible for 2026 season

Summary

NFL executive Troy Vincent stated at league meetings that players returning to college will not be eligible to play in the 2026 NFL season. This long-standing policy was reiterated following recent bans by the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences on players returning from NFL rosters. Players like Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who signed as undrafted free agents, aim to return to college, but face restrictions. The Atlantic Coast and Big 12 conferences are also considering similar policies. Both players have previously sued the NCAA over eligibility rules that limit their ability to participate in college sports after being in the NFL.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Players returning to college ineligible for NFL in 2026
•Troy Vincent reiterated the policy at league meetings
•ACC and Big 12 are discussing similar restrictions
•Wright and Harris aim to return to LSU under Lane Kiffin
•Both players are involved in lawsuits against the NCAA

Latest Updates

9:48 PMYahoo Sports — NFL says players who return to college will be ineligible to play in 2026 as ACC, Big 12 weigh topic

What they're saying

"
Players who leave the NFL to return to college won't be allowed to come back to the league this season. NFL executive Troy Vincent reiterated the longstanding policy at the league's meetings Wednesday, saying players who go back to college will be ineligible to play in 2026. Vincent said any player who does that would instead become a free agent for the 2027 season.
— Yahoo Sports

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