Add The New York Post on Google The NFL is clearing up any confusion surrounding players attempting to return to college after signing with a professional team.
The league is expected to tell clubs Wednesday that a player who returns to college this season will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team during the year, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The NFL is also expected to give guidance on the status of players let go by teams.
“A player signed to an NFL contract who is subsequently cut is a free agent,” Schefter reported. “He may sign with another NFL club, the CFL or return to college, but that player is considered a free agent and will not be subject to a future draft.”
Dae’Quan Wright of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on August 22, 2026. Diamond Images/Getty Images The news comes as multiple players have explored returning to college after spending time on NFL rosters this summer.
Last week, Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright entered the transfer portal after being waived by the team and later cut a deal to return to LSU for a fifth college season.
Former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is also aiming to join Lane Kiffin’s team after being released by the Saints.
College conferences have moved quickly to close the door on former professionals returning to school to play football, with the SEC unanimously adopting a policy Tuesday that prevents its programs from rostering players who have already signed with or appeared for a professional team.
The NFL logo is displayed on a goal post at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Jan. 4, 2026. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar The Big Ten announced its intention to adopt a similar rule on Tuesday.
The ACC and Big 12 are expected to soon follow suit, according to ESPN.
The growing controversy stems from court challenges involving the high school class of 2022 players, who were left out of the NCAA’s new five-years-of-eligibility framework.
A Louisiana judge recently granted temporary relief to a group that included Wright and Harris, giving them a chance to attempt college returns after brief stints in the NFL.
