Eli Drinkwitz sounds off on CFB eligibility ambiguity: ‘Complete clown show’
By Mark Kern
Published:
Eli Drinkwitz is a vocal coach who is unafraid to sound off on national topics in front of reporters. He proved that again on Saturday.
Arguably the most talked-about topic in college football right now is the eligibility of players who participated in NFL training camp coming back and playing in college. The Power-4 conferences all publicly stated that players on NFL rosters wouldn’t be allowed to play in their conference, but there are still lawsuits across the country on the issue as coaches and players are left in the dark.
On Saturday, Drinkwitz made his thoughts be known on the entire topic, calling it a clown show.
“This stuff is not good for any student-athlete – and it’s a direct reflection of our inability as leaders to come up with a plan,” Drinkwitz said. “The season has kicked off, and we do not know what the rules are for eligibility. “That’s embarrassing, man.”
Lane Kiffin has been aggressive in using this loophole. A few who played for him last season at Ole Miss were in NFL training camps, but they recently committed to play at LSU. The new ruling does change that, but it only added to Drinkwitz’s comments that the rules are just out of control right now.
Drinkwitz’ Mizzou Tigers will start their 2026 season on Thursday when they host Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
