OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - On Wednesday, a Louisiana court granted a temporary restraining order for multiple athletes, some signed with NFL teams, deeming them eligible to return to college athletics.
OU Football visits Oklahoma City National Memorial & MuseumNFL teams are currently deep into pre-season training camps, along with that comes roster cuts. Rosters have to be cut to 53 players by Aug. 30. Many who don't make the final cut could plan to head back to college football, barring a successful appeal by the NCAA.
The Louisiana order grants the class of 2022 players who filed the suit to enter the transfer portal a chance to find a new team ahead of the 2026-27 season that officially begins in less than three weeks.
According to the order, players have a week to put their names in the transfer portal and the NCAA has to explain to the court why any players should not be eligible for the portal.
Sources say 16 football players were part of the lawsuit that included 33 athletes across several sports who are seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
Former Florida and LSU pass rusher Jack Pyburn (Tamp Bay Buccaneers) averaged 112 tackles and 3 sacks in the past 2 seasons. Former Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson (Seattle Seahawks) and ex-Mississippi starters Dae’Quan Wright (Cleveland Browns) and Wydett Williams (Arizona Cardinals), are all currently on NFL rosters and are part of the lawsuit.
Last month, a judge in Denver, CO ruled that all high school class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their fourth season of college eligibility this past spring are eligible for a fifth season this upcoming academic year.
The Colorado decision only related to players' eligibility and did not change NCAA transfer portal rules or dates.
As teams prepare for the beginning of their 2026-27 college football season, others look to still join the team. Amidst the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (N.I.L.) debates and ongoing petitions for player eligibility, this new court ruling adds fuel to the fire.
The upcoming college football season is just weeks away, and whether fans see new stars arise or a few familiar faces on the field, it's sure to be an exciting season.
The NCAA has not issued a response or comment on Wednesday's ruling.
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