NFL players exploring college return amid NCAA eligibility uncertainty
CBS NFL • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 7:21 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026
Players who signed NFL contracts are considering a return to college football as roster cuts approach on August 30. This follows a ruling by District Judge Charlotte Sweeney regarding eligibility that initially affected non-NFL players. Some are planning lawsuits to potentially re-enter college or the transfer portal. Recent developments include temporary restraining orders granted to some seeking college return. Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley has returned to college after previously being ineligible.
- •Players are exploring college returns as NFL cuts approach.
- •Ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney affects eligibility for NFL signees.
- •Lawsuits may be filed to allow players back into college football.
- •Stephen Daley has returned to Indiana following recent court decisions.
- •NCAA awaits a ruling from the Court of Appeals regarding eligibility.
- 7:21 PMCBS NFL — NFL rookies returning to college? Some are looking into it amid NCAA eligibility ruling in Colorado
"Some players who signed NFL contracts are exploring a return to college football as roster cuts loom, sources tell CBS Sports
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 8:00 PMWhich tier does ESPN think the Oklahoma Sooners belong in for 2026?
NCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 8:00 PMColumn: 2026 will be a referendum on Florida State’s spending strategy
NCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 7:38 PMDeputy tries to serve 'unavailable' Deion papers
NCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 7:25 PMColorado transfer RB named to 2026 Doak Walker Award watch list
NCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 7:12 PMDouble-home uniforms should become mainstream in college football
College SportsNCAAF•Aug 19, 2026, 6:36 PMDavid Jablonski: Wittenberg football: Tigers will have new QB in 2026