Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman has expressed strong criticism of current NCAA eligibility rules, deeming the trend of former professional players returning to college football "pretty ridiculous." Merriman argues that the lack of guardrails in the system could lead to further issues if not addressed. The debate has intensified following a court ruling that allowed former professional football player Dae’Quan Wright to return to college athletics at LSU.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has reportedly filed an amended complaint in an Alabama federal court, seeking action against LSU. The conference commissioner Greg Sankey has argued that LSU, head coach Lane Kiffin, and athletic department staff are obstructing the conference's ability to govern. This legal action stems from the transition of players with prior professional experience back into college programs.
Merriman, speaking to OutKick, stated that while he respects Kiffin's desire to win by assembling the best roster, there must be limitations. "There have to be guardrails, because it won’t stop here if you don’t stop it now," Merriman said. He reminisced about a time when college athletics were "pure," even with the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. The current environment, he suggested, has become a "free-for-all," with athletes navigating the transfer portal and pursuing financial opportunities at various institutions.
The NCAA permits college athletes to use five seasons of eligibility within a ten-year window. This rule has allowed players like tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who completed four college seasons before being undrafted and released by the Cleveland Browns, to attempt a return to play their fifth year in college. Merriman believes this is a significant overreach. "There has to be some guardrails with the transferring," he added. "Guys being able to take NIL money, then getting up to leave and go to another program. Now, it’s just kind of the tipping point where a former professional athlete can go back into college. It’s just too much."
In response to these developments, the NFL has issued a memo to its clubs reminding them that players returning to college would not be eligible for in-season signings. Additionally, these players would forfeit their eligibility for the NFL Draft, needing to join an NFL team as a free agent in a future season.
Merriman also speculated on the potential locker room reactions within NFL teams if such players were to eventually join. He anticipates a "silent yes" to team members having issues with it, suggesting that while overt vocal complaints might be rare, underlying discontent could surface. "I don’t think a lot of guys will be vocal to it. I even think the NFL is going to have a silence behind it but have a problem with it," he stated. He questioned the integrity and motives of players who return to college after failing to make it in the professional ranks, suggesting it could lead to private questioning within locker rooms.
The controversy could also serve as a distraction for teams competing for championships. "It’s a distraction. There’s a high-risk, low reward to get a couple of guys go out and go play," Merriman said. He emphasized that the focus should be on the game, not on these eligibility disputes, particularly with the SEC and other committees now involved. Merriman's concerns about the evolving landscape of college sports are also informed by his personal connection to the game, as his son, Justin Merriman, is a highly-touted quarterback prospect for the 2029 class.