Judge Sweeney Bars 2026 Pro-Signed Football Players From NCAA 5th-Year Relief
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 3
Judge Sweeney Bars 2026 Pro-Signed Football Players From NCAA 5th-Year Relief
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 3
Summary
Sunday's order says Charlotte Sweeney's fifth-year eligibility ruling does not let football players who signed NFL or CFL contracts this summer return to college.
The clarification came after the NCAA sought guidance on her Friday injunction, which still grants an extra season to some athletes from the high school class of 2022 whose eligibility expired last school year.
That narrowed reading removes a threat to the 2026 football season, after the original wording had fueled speculation that hundreds of players could rejoin teams as camps open.
Sweeney also said the ruling leaves intact NCAA bans on returning after turning pro, transfer-portal rules, roster caps and pay limits tied to the House settlement.
The NCAA still plans to appeal, leaving schools in sports with later start dates to weigh whether returning players could be ruled ineligible if the order is overturned.