Former LSU DE Jack Pyburn still weighing options between NFL, return to college football
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Professional football players returning to the collegiate level was once merely a joke.
Now, with the 2026 college football season set to kick off Saturday, a handful of NFL players are still debating whether they should make the move back to a lower level of competition.
They are able to do this due to various Temporary Restraining Orders issued in states across the country, all of which attack the NCAA’s recent ‘5-for-5’ ruling regarding college eligibility.
As a result, athletes such as former LSU and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Jack Pyburn are still weighing their options when it comes to their football futures.
A TRO granted by a Louisiana judge enables Pyburn to return to college if we chooses, but he’s still debating whether that is the right move.
“I don’t want to speak too much on it. My agents are handling it. They’re doing it in my best interests,” Pyburn said during a recent media session. “I’m just focused on playing good football. I love being here. I’ve been going as hard as I can to make this team and be a part of this special organization.”
Pyburn spent 3 seasons with Florida, tallying 80 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception during his time with the Gators.
After transitioning to more of a defensive end role in 2024, Pyburn continued playing in what way when he transferred to LSU. He racked up 52 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks last fall.
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Parker is currently the sports editor for Gulf Coast Media in Foley, Alabama. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
