NFL Draft: The Rising Trend of Players Returning to College Football

The NFL draft is on the verge of producing its own Thornton Melon—a player who, despite being drafted, opts to return to college football. The erosion of NCAA antitrust violations disguised as rules has made this move easier than ever for players with remaining eligibility.

Last year, the NCAA granted James Nnaji four additional years of eligibility, even after he was selected in the first round of the NBA draft. This precedent signals a shift in the landscape, where drafted players now have a viable path back to college.

At some point, a drafted NFL player will make the strategic decision to return to school. Unless the NFL and NCAA secure federal intervention, college players will retain maximum earning potential and mobility. The current environment allows drafted players with college options to choose a level of football that is just as professional as the NFL.

Lessons from Sanders and Ewers

Last year, as Shedeur Sanders fell through Day 2 of the draft, we explored the possibility of him tapping out and returning to Colorado (or another program). The article became one of the most-read pieces in the platform’s 24-year history.

Similarly, there were discussions about whether Quinn Ewers would do the same after slipping to Round 7. Neither ultimately pursued this path, but the conditions for such a move have since become even more favorable.

Ty Simpson: The Player to Watch in 2025

Ty Simpson, a quarterback projected as a potential first-round pick, recently stated he could have earned $6.5 million for another year of college football. This amount is roughly equivalent to the average annual salary of the sixth overall draft pick.

If Simpson isn’t selected in Round 1, he has 18 hours to decide his next move. While most college programs have already finalized their 2026 rosters, a program would likely welcome him if he chooses to return. Even if $6.5 million is off the table, Simpson could secure a deal far exceeding what a second-round pick would offer. Last year, the average contract for the first player selected in Round 2 was $2.1 million per year.

The key for Simpson is to make a definitive and public declaration that he is exiting the draft process. If drafted and he later returns to school, the team that selected him will retain his rights in the spot where he was picked. To avoid this, he must exit in a way that discourages any team from drafting him.

However, the longer he waits, the more financially attractive it becomes for a team to hold his rights and defer his selection to 2027.

A Triple Lindy into College Football?

A "Triple Lindy"—a term referencing a bold, unexpected move—remains a possibility for Simpson, as it was for Sanders and Ewers. And it will continue to be an option for any player who falls further in the draft than anticipated.