A judicial order issued in July has upended college football roster planning by making all 2022-class athletes who completed their four-year eligibility now eligible to return to play. The ruling, issued by Judge Charlotte Sweeney in the Wisne vs. NCAA case, applies broadly across football rather than being limited to basketball players as had been the focus of prior legal challenges.
In response to the decision, college football programs have begun moving swiftly to identify and contact former players about returning for the upcoming season. Multiple athletic directors and general managers acknowledged they are compiling lists of eligible former athletes and reaching out to gauge interest. Several players have already indicated willingness to return, including former Arizona State safety Myles Rowser, former Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos, and former Virginia defensive end Cazeem Moore.
However, substantial uncertainty persists about whether the ruling will ultimately stand. Compliance offices at schools continue working to fully understand the scope of the order, and the NCAA is expected to appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Bediako situation from college basketball earlier this year serves as a cautionary example, as a temporary restraining order initially allowed him to play before an appeals court reversed the decision, rendering him ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Programs remain hesitant about immediately adding players despite their apparent eligibility under the current ruling. If the appeal is successful and the order is overturned, NCAA regulations could result in forfeited wins for programs that competed with ineligible athletes. Additionally, some former athletes currently in NFL training camps or who have received professional compensation face obstacles to returning, though legal pathways may exist to circumvent such restrictions. The rapidly evolving situation has left schools balancing aggressive outreach efforts with caution about potential legal reversals before the upcoming season begins.
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