Last week, a Louisiana judge granted several players a temporary restraining order, opening the door for them to return to college football after time in the NFL.
As a result, many analysts expected other players to explore the same loophole and make unexpected returns to the college game. However, the Big Ten appears ready to shut that door before it becomes a larger issue. And fans have welcomed the move.
Fans Praise the Big Ten for Banning Returning NFL Players to College Football
On his official X account, ESPN’s College Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel shared the latest development.
“Sources: The Big Ten is set to pass a rule today that doesn’t allow players to return from the NFL and play for a Big Ten school. Anyone who has declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster or signed a contract with a pro league cannot be on a Big Ten roster.”
Soon after the update surfaced, fans quickly made their feelings known.
One supporter summed up the reaction with a simple message, writing, “Finally, adults in the room.”
Finally, adults in the room
— sportyGM (@sportyGM) August 25, 2026
Another fan, however, pointed to the potential downside of the decision.
“The Big Ten is basically telling players you get one shot at the NFL or you’re done with us. Wild move considering how many guys could benefit from coming back after not making a roster.”
The Louisiana ruling affected several notable players.
Among those granted the temporary restraining order were South Carolina safety DQ Smith, Ole Miss Rebels defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, and tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
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Their cases helped bring attention to the possibility of players moving between professional and college football. So, many analysts had already argued the downside of players returning to college football.
During Thursday’s episode of “Get Up,” ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers argued that more players could look toward college football after missing out on the NFL.
He believes another college season could boost their draft stock and earning power.
“So why would you go to a practice squad and make $13,000 a week, $247,000? Great money for everybody sitting at home,” Rodgers said. “When you can go make $600,000 or a million and have yourself a better and another opportunity to maybe get drafted the next year? It’s a no-brainer for players. It’s terrible for college football and the integrity of the NCAA. They can’t do anything about it; we need to blow it up. This is the next step.”
Therefore, the Big Ten’s recent move has given fans another reason to celebrate the conference’s decision.
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“Good common sense prevails,” a fan wrote.
Another supporter joked, “The Big Ten just installed a “NO REFUNDS” policy on declaring for the NFL Draft. 💀”
The Big Ten just installed a “NO REFUNDS” policy on declaring for the NFL Draft. 💀
— Crossing Lines (@CrossingXLines) August 25, 2026
Meanwhile, some fans want the SEC to follow the same path.
“Sec should do the same, but they just sent out a bunch of words,” a user wrote.
Another user wrote, “The SEC gonna follow? Or use it as a way to try to catch up to big bro, the Big10??”
The SEC gonna follow? Or use it as a way to try to catch up to big bro the Big10??
— The 3 Wise Men (@The3WiseMen_) August 25, 2026
For now, only time will tell whether the SEC follows the Big Ten’s lead.
