Colleges poach cut rookies to return for another season

The ongoing chaos in college football has created a new and unusual opportunity for both players and schools. The NCAA's five-year eligibility rule, which traditionally limits a player to five years of competition within a six-year window, is being challenged by a recent court injunction in Colorado. Judge Charlotte Sweeney initially appeared to open the transfer portal for all players, but later clarified that the ruling does not allow players with remaining eligibility to move freely. However, other lawsuits are pending that could change the landscape further. Despite the NCAA's firm stance, some member schools are already exploiting the uncertainty by reaching out to agents of first-year professional players who have been cut from NFL rosters. These players, who might otherwise spend a year on a practice squad, are being pitched the idea of returning to college for another season of football. This pitch raises numerous questions: Will schools have roster spots available? Will players have to return any signing bonuses or per diem money they received? And most importantly, for the player, is the potential earnings from another college season worth more than a practice squad salary, with the chance of being promoted to an active roster? One team executive called this a 'dangerous game' for players, but also acknowledged that having such business options represents progress that was unthinkable five years ago. For schools, this is just another way to improve their rosters, even if it means making promises they may not keep. The irony is that while the NCAA seeks long-term order, the schools are focused on short-term gains, and coaches will do whatever it takes to bend the chaos in their favor.