A groundbreaking legal precedent this month opened a new pathway for some NFL players who already participated in training camps and preseason games to return to college football and enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
While the court order sparked intense debate and significant pushback throughout college athletics, Colorado coach Deion Sanders recently offered his reaction to the developing situation.
Deion Sanders Drops Brutal One-Liner as NFL-to-College Rule Creates Chaos
Several players nationwide have won court battles to return to college football. However, Ezra Christensen has yet to receive the court’s approval, at least for now. The Colorado football team could be without Christensen for the upcoming season after he was denied the opportunity to play for the Buffaloes.
On Monday, the Boulder County District Court issued an order rejecting Christensen’s motion for a preliminary injunction. With the decision hanging over the defensive lineman’s eligibility, Coach Prime acknowledged he expected the situation to receive another update soon.
“I’m pretty sure that’s going to come quickly,” Sanders said.
Later, Sanders brought his trademark humor to the discussion while addressing the legal precedent that has allowed undrafted or waived NFL players who participated in preseason games to seek court injunctions and return to the college football transfer portal.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON: PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
“As long as Georgia Tech doesn’t have any players that are activated, we’re good,” Sanders remarked.
Coach Prime on the looming decision regarding Ezra Christensen’s eligibility.
“I’m pretty sure that’s going to come quickly.”
On NFL players playing in preseason and then entering the CFB transfer portal.
“As long as Georgia Tech doesn’t have any players that are activated…
— Jake Schwanitz (@JakeDNVR) August 24, 2026
The timing of the NCAA’s efforts to challenge the developing precedent is particularly remarkable. The entire 2022 high school recruiting class falls under a blanket ruling issued by a Colorado district court that grants those players a fifth year of college eligibility.
However, for the Buffaloes, Christensen’s current setback leaves a major void along the defensive line. The defensive tackle was projected to become one of Colorado’s most important defensive linemen were he allowed to play.
Unless the court reconsiders the ruling, Christensen will remain ineligible for the 2026 season.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free College Fantasy Simulator
Christensen spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons at San Diego Mesa College before moving to Fresno State, where he played for two seasons.
Following a breakout season at New Mexico State last season, which ranked him #2 in PFN’s Defensive Tackle Impact Ranking with an 87.5 grade, the talented defensive lineman transferred to Colorado.
With Christensen unavailable, the Buffaloes will have to rely more heavily on Tulane transfer Santana Hopper and App State transfer Dylan Manuel along the defensive front.
