A Baton Rouge judge has granted a temporary restraining order that could allow 16 college athletes who believed they had exhausted their eligibility to return to school for another season.
The ruling by 19th Judicial District Court Judge William Jorden is another legal setback for the NCAA and could have major implications for several former LSU and Ole Miss players. Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn is one of the 16 plaintiffs.
Pyburn is currently competing for a roster spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and recorded two sacks in Tampa Bay’s first preseason game.
But the court’s ruling opens the door for Pyburn to leave the Buccaneers and return to LSU — or play for another college program.
The temporary restraining order is in effect for 10 days unless the court extends it, essentially giving the players until Sept. 1 to decide whether to return to college.
It would be unprecedented for a player to compete in an NFL preseason game and then return to college football. Under the order, the players would have to repay money they earned during NFL preseason camp.
The players, all members of the 2022 high school graduating class, argue they should be granted a fifth year of eligibility under a new NCAA rule that gives current and future college athletes five years to play five seasons.
Pyburn could provide an immediate boost to an LSU defense that has lost depth at defensive end. Gabriel Reliford is out for the season, while Damien Shanklin has not practiced during fall camp for an undisclosed reason.
Pyburn is already familiar with LSU’s defense after spending last season with the Tigers. He recorded 52 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Before transferring to LSU, Pyburn spent three seasons at Florida.
Three former Ole Miss starters under LSU coach Lane Kiffin are also plaintiffs in the lawsuit: tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who is with the Cleveland Browns; defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was with the New Orleans Saints before being released two weeks ago; and safety Wydett Williams, who is with the Arizona Cardinals.
Kiffin has been aware of the possibility that players from the 2022 recruiting class could become available.
“We look at everything, so we would be prepared for that,” Kiffin said. “I don’t know what that would mean. You’ve always got to look at who they are, and will they learn your systems and all those things coming that late?”
Members of LSU’s coaching staff is already familiar with Pyburn and the three former Ole Miss players.
The lawsuit also includes athletes from other sports, including former LSU women’s basketball player Amaya Joyner. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged nine points and nearly eight rebounds per game for the Lady Tigers last season while starting 19 games.
