Updated: September 9, 2025
After quarterback Shedeur Sanders faced a surprising slide down the NFL draft board, questions arose about the potential for him to consider returning to college for another year. Despite offers that would pay him an estimated $4.5 million over four years, Sanders ultimately chose to seize the NFL opportunity that awaited him.
However, the mere contemplation of Sanders possibly returning to college sparked discussions surrounding NCAA rules and potential challenges to them. Antitrust specialist Jeffrey Kessler's interest in exploring a challenge against NCAA regulations that would prevent a player like Sanders from returning post-draft added another layer to the situation.
The core issue at hand revolves around the NCAA's rule prohibiting players from changing their minds after going through the draft process. This rule sparked debate on whether players should have the freedom to pivot back to college in the absence of a signed professional contract. The crux of the matter is not solely about Sanders but extends to the broader question of player agency in the complex world of college and professional football.
The Decision Dilemma
For Sanders, the decision to pursue the NFL over returning to college has financial implications. He could have potentially earned as much, if not more, from another year in college than what his four-year contract with the Browns offers. The chance to enhance his draft stock through a strong season, especially if he chose to transfer to a new school, like North Carolina, was another key consideration.
Add to that, the thought that a reset on the draft process in 2026 could have positioned Sanders for a higher selection and more lucrative rookie deal, raising questions about timing, opportunity, and long-term career strategy. His situation provides a microcosm of the larger debate surrounding player rights, mobility, and the existing structures within college sports.
The NCAA's Tightrope
One of the critical components in this saga revolves around the NCAA rulebook and its stance on players' post-draft decisions. While stepping into the professional realm after being drafted is a significant milestone for any athlete, the question arises: should a player who hasn't inked a deal be restricted from considering all their options?
The potential vulnerability of the NCAA's rule preventing players from revisiting their collegiate careers post-draft sets the stage for a broader dialogue on antitrust issues lurking within NCAA regulations. The issue, eerily similar to arguments in other sectors, begs the question of whether legal challenges could force the NCAA's hand in reevaluating its long-standing regulations.
Possibilities and Pathways
As Sanders prepares to compete for a starting role among five contenders in Cleveland, the larger, unresolved question of a player's post-draft choice lingers in the background. The looming possibility of a legal challenge to the status quo of NCAA regulations creates intrigue regarding the future landscape of college athletics.
The idea that a player like Sanders might have had the chance to reconsider his draft journey opens the door to discussions on player empowerment, negotiating power, and the intricate intersections between amateur and professional sports. The path ahead remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tides of change may be on the horizon in the realm of collegiate athletics.
