Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has expressed strong disapproval of a recent court order that allows some NFL players to return to college football, citing concerns about fairness and roster management.
On August 20, a temporary restraining order was granted to 16 players from the 2022 class, granting them an additional year of eligibility. This ruling impacts players who have been training with NFL teams, such as former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright and former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn. Wright has reportedly entered the transfer portal and participated in preseason games for the Cleveland Browns.
The development comes as the college football season is set to begin. Lanning stated that in his view, players who have entered the NFL should remain there and not have the option to return to college. "Once you go to the NFL, to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back," Lanning said.
He also highlighted the practical challenges this creates for college teams. "Most of us have built our rosters and you have a limited roster limit now. So if you invited somebody back to your team, that means you’re kicking somebody else off your team to match your roster limits," he explained. "I don’t think that’s fair to the players that worked all summer, all spring and put themselves in position to be ready to work for a team to have somebody come back."
Lanning's comments reflect a broader sentiment among some college football figures and fans. The ruling originated from a lawsuit filed in Louisiana. This legal action follows the NCAA's announcement of a five-year, age-based eligibility model, which allows athletes five years to play five seasons starting from their 19th birthday or enrollment date, whichever is earlier.