Athletes enter NCAA transfer portal following court ruling

A group of athletes, including several currently in NFL training camps, have entered the NCAA transfer portal following a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Louisiana judge. The ruling allows a group of approximately 33 athletes across various sports to seek a fifth year of collegiate eligibility.

Dae’Quan Wright, a tight end for the Cleveland Browns and former Ole Miss standout, is the most prominent player to utilize this ruling. Wright is the first active NFL player to enter the collegiate transfer portal under these circumstances. Other notable players entering the portal include former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, former SMU running back TJ Harden, and former BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho.

The legal action stems from a challenge to NCAA eligibility rules, specifically regarding the fifth-year eligibility for the 2022 recruiting class. While the NCAA maintains a standard five-year eligibility clock, the court order provides a window for these athletes to return to college football. Players currently under NFL contracts must be released by September 1 to join a college roster.

Additionally, former Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton has also made a collegiate pivot via the transfer portal after being waived by the Broncos in August.