Right now that can't happen. I don't see that rule ever changing....otherwise Power programs could just offer all the new Pro football players that get cut at the end of NFL training camps but still have 2-3 years of college eligibility left.
But right now you can go from pro to college in a different sport = as Aune did.
Here are the current rules:
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No, a professional athlete cannot return to play the same sport in college if they have signed with a professional sports agent with the intent to obtain a professional contract in that sport, according to the NCAA. Once a player is officially considered a professional in a specific sport, they forfeit any remaining college eligibility for that particular sport. However, they may still be eligible to play another sport in college if they have remaining eligibility and that sport is not the one they played professionally.
Signing with a Professional Agent:
The key factor that triggers the loss of college eligibility is signing with a professional sports agent to pursue a professional contract.
Forfeiture of Eligibility:
Once a player is considered a professional in a specific sport, they lose their eligibility to compete in that sport at the college level.
Different Sport Eligibility:
A professional athlete can still be eligible to play another sport in college if they still have remaining eligibility and the new sport is different from the one they played professionally. For example, a former minor league baseball player could still play college football.
Aune went pro in baseball though. The rule has been you forfeit your eligibility in a given sport once you go pro in that specific sport. I'm envisioning a situation where a player goes from pro to college in the same sport. Take Trey Lance for instance who hasn't done well as an NFL QB but was great at North Dakota State. I'm sure some college programs would love to have him and could probably pay him more than his NFL contract plus he's still only 24. I believe his 1 year deal with chargers has $1.5 million guaranteed but a potential value of $6.2 million. How many college QBs are getting more guaranteed for less potential games?
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