Texas Tech coach eyes NFL-cut players as Big 12 lacks return-to-college ban

College football’s transfer landscape is evolving, and the latest development involves athletes who briefly joined NFL training camps seeking to re-enter the college ranks. The SEC and Big 10 have just passed a rule prohibiting such returns, but the Big 12 has not yet followed suit. Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire announced that his program is actively scouting former NFL players who were cut, including former LSU tight end Dae'Quan Wright—who was on the rosters of the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns—and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, recently released by the New Orleans Saints.

McGuire stressed that his focus is on winning and that he will consider any eligible player who can strengthen the team, even though he has not reached out to NFL coaches. This approach mirrors the broader shift toward fluid player movement in the NIL era, raising questions about future conference regulations. The situation may eventually prompt legal challenges or new conference policies as schools test the limits of existing rules.