NCAA eligibility rule change enables professional players to return to college

A new NCAA rule regarding athletic eligibility is creating legal challenges and unprecedented scenarios where professional players return to college sports. The rule, passed in June, allows athletes to play five seasons over a five-year period, with the eligibility clock starting upon full-time enrollment or the start of the school year following a player's 19th birthday.

Controversy has arisen because the rule applies to the high school graduating class of 2023 but excludes the class of 2022. This distinction has led to lawsuits from athletes seeking the right to return to college play. One notable example is undrafted tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who participated in tryouts with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns before securing a deal to play for LSU this season.