Former Florida EDGE Jack Pyburn weighing NFL future vs. college return

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Former Florida and LSU pass rusher Jack Pyburn is among 16 players granted temporary relief from the NCAA by a Louisiana court.

The ruling could allow the players to participate in another college football season despite signing NFL contracts, according to CBS Sports. As of Aug. 25, Tampa Bay's official transaction log does not list Pyburn as waived or released, meaning he remains with the organization for now.

Pyburn, who played at Florida from 2022 to 2024, argues against the NCAA eligibility clock — a 2023 ACL tear shortened his sophomore campaign. Following three seasons in Gainesville, he transferred to LSU and earned a 2026 Senior Bowl invitation after starting 11 of 12 games. The 6-foot-4-inch, 264-pound Jacksonville, Florida, native authored his most impressive collegiate season in Baton Rouge, registering 52 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Despite a productive senior campaign, Pyburn went undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft and later signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent. With Tampa Bay, he was guaranteed $115,000, including a $15,000 signing bonus. If he returns the necessary compensation, the ruling could open the door for Pyburn to regain college eligibility.

LSU is the program connected to Pyburn should he return to college. According to the Los Angeles Times, Lane Kiffin has been actively recruiting players who may be affected by the ruling. The Times also reported that LSU could offer Pyburn an NIL package close to $1 million compared to the NFL rookie minimum of $885,000 for a full season.

Former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright recently agreed to return to LSU after being waived by the Cleveland Browns. Wright could become the first player to return to college after signing with an NFL team. The controversy around player movement has already prompted policy measures, with the Big Ten considering restrictions on former professionals returning to college.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida EDGE Jack Pyburn weighing NFL future vs. college return

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos