Judge clarifies that NCAA eligibility order does not apply to football players who signed pro contracts

U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a clarification Sunday that her earlier order granting a fifth year of eligibility to athletes who graduated high school in 2022 does not extend to football players who signed professional contracts this summer and subsequently changed their minds. The judge responded to a request from the NCAA for clarification about the scope of her Friday ruling, which had granted an additional season to athletes not covered by the NCAA's new "five for five" rule for Division I players.

Sweeney said the original decision remains in effect but does not alter other NCAA regulations, including the prohibition on players returning to college after signing a pro contract, the timing of transfer portal entries, or the terms of the recent settlement that limits roster sizes and scholarship payments.

The clarification comes after initial reports suggested that the ruling could allow hundreds of players, including some on NFL and CFL rosters, to return to college football. Those reports appear unfounded, according to the judge's statement.

The NCAA noted that the ruling could create uncertainty for teams as they plan for the upcoming season, especially as the organization prepares to appeal the order. NCAA President Charlie Baker previously warned that the decision could cause disruption and called for congressional action on the Protect College Sports Act, a bill that would provide the NCAA with legal protection for its eligibility rules.