Usually, a player getting claimed by an NFL team is something to celebrate; that’s likely not the case for Defensive End Jack Pyburn. Pyburn was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after recording four sacks this preseason. He was open about his intention to return to college to play out his final year of eligibility at LSU.
Pyburn was in this situation only because he was part of the 2022 recruiting class, which did not receive an extra year of eligibility due to COVID, and wasn’t part of the NCAA’s new five seasons of eligibility in five years rule.
Initially, the SEC planned not to allow players who have gone to the NFL to return to college. However, a judge ruled that the conference must allow the players to return. Pybrun spent last season with LSU after transferring from Florida.
Pyburn was a part of a lawsuit alongside 30 other players that won a temporary restraining order allowing them to play this season. If the players chose that route, they would have to terminate their professional contracts and repay any money already earned. The SEC has already released a strong statement about the players attempting to return.
“Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.”
With the conference likely planning to fight this ruling, it makes sense for Pyburn to focus on his NFL future. This could drag on for a long time, and with the college football season officially starting this weekend, Pyburn would likely waste his time waiting for a ruling that might not even go in his favor.
Pyburn has shown he can contribute at defensive end, and joining an organization like the Kansas City Chiefs might be more appealing than giving college football another chance.
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Author: Brian Marr



