The NFL will inform its teams that any player who returns to the college ranks will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season, sources told @AdamSchefter. https://t.co/zIbu6qAPM8

— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2026

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49733978/sources-ncaa-defectors-play-nfl-team-2026

Sources: NCAA defectors may not play for NFL team in 2026

The NFL will inform its clubs that any player who returns to the college ranks will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The league plans to provide this clarity to clubs at some point Wednesday, sources told Schefter, reiterating rules that remain unaltered despite a chaotic week in the NCAA as multiple players seek a fifth year of college eligibility.

The NFL, which is holding a special league meeting Wednesday, also will remind teams of the rule that any player signed to an NFL contract who is subsequently cut is a free agent. That player may sign with another NFL club, join the CFL or return to college.

Any player cut by an NFL team who returns to college this year still will be considered a free agent and therefore is not subject to a future draft.

The fundamental principle of NCAA eligibility has been called into question after two NFL players -- Cleveland's Dae'Quan Wright and New Orleans' Zxavian Harris -- parted with their respective teams to join Lane Kiffin's roster at LSU.

Wright and Harris, who both played for Kiffin at Ole Miss, are returning to college football thanks to a court order that granted them an unexpected extra year of eligibility. The players can regain their college eligibility if they terminate their NFL contracts and repay any pro earnings.

Wright cleared NFL waivers Tuesday and is expected to sign with LSU on Wednesday, sources told Schefter.

The SEC and Big Ten, however, approved new rules Tuesday that prevent players from leaving the NFL and joining college teams.