Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has voiced strong opposition to the growing trend of athletes returning to college football after entering the NFL. A temporary restraining order granted by a Louisiana court recently opened a legal avenue for select players on NFL rosters to reclaim collegiate eligibility. This triggered widespread debate across the fraternity.
However, Lanning’s opposition to this move has drawn pushback from analysts who argue that players’ autonomy must be respected in the modern NIL era.
NFL Analyst Disagrees With Dan Lanning’s Stance
In a lengthy post on X, NFL analyst John Frascella countered Lanning’s arguments, emphasizing that student-athletes should be free to choose their careers without arbitrary restrictions.
“I actually disagree with Coach here. Any human being can go back to college anytime they want, for whatever reason they want, so why should football players be EXCLUDED from that?” Frascella asked. “It’s because these programs and leagues want to CONTROL everything… and guess what? Times have changed.
“It’s power to the player. These players have finally realized… oh wait, if I go down with a devastating injury, everybody just moves on? Nobody really cares; it’s all just a business… I’m glad the players are making moves for themselves now.”
I actually disagree with Coach, here… any human being can go back to College anytime they want, for whatever reason they want, so why should football players be EXCLUDED from that? It’s because these programs & leagues want to CONTROL everything… and guess what? Times have… https://t.co/8DlPI9NXHr
— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) August 24, 2026
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Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright became the first player to take advantage of the ruling. Wright has an agreement in place to play for Lane Kiffin’s LSU Tigers in 2026 if he clears waivers.
Wright initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent before being waived and claimed off waivers by the Browns on August 11.
Addressing the media during Monday’s press conference, Kiffin defended his program’s decision to recruit players who are already in the pros.
“Through (players) winning injunctions and entry into the portal, they are available to recruit. Ourselves and many places around the country are recruiting them,” Kiffin said. “Because of the rulings, they are going to play for you or someone else. We made the decision to recruit them.
“It’s wrong to be critical of these kids. They were granted a fifth year, and a judge said they were wronged. In general, should NFL players come back to college? I believe it doesn’t matter what I believe; the answer would be no. I think every circumstance should be looked at differently. This is a very unique circumstance.”
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In June, the NCAA Division I Cabinet agreed to a five-for-five rule, which grants student-athletes five years to finish their college careers. However, a federal judge in Colorado threw the NCAA’s plans into disarray by ruling that the class of 2022 players were eligible for a fifth season in 2026-27, though the Tenth Circuit stayed that decision on Friday.
The stay does not affect the 16 players covered by the Louisiana restraining order, who hold their own court protection.
With NFL franchises required to finalize their 53-man rosters by August 30, insiders anticipate more players could seek collegiate opportunities.
