Jack Pyburn waived by Buccaneers amid college eligibility lawsuit

Defensive lineman Jack Pyburn was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during NFL roster reductions. Pyburn is one of several players involved in a legal dispute regarding college athletic eligibility.

A Louisiana court recently granted a temporary restraining order to a group of players, including Pyburn, which may allow them to return to college athletics. These athletes entered the NFL draft process after exhausting their four years of eligibility, but they are challenging the NCAA because a recent rule change allowing five years of play only applies to students who began college in 2023 or later.

The plaintiffs argue they are being deprived of educational opportunities and name, image, and likeness (NIL) benefits. Other players involved in the suit include TJ Harden, Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Anthony Hankerson. While Power Four conferences have ruled that players with NFL contracts are ineligible, these regulations remain in legal limbo pending court resolutions, including an upcoming hearing for the Southeastern Conference (SEC).