In a surprising twist, former Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns rookie running back T.J. Harden has entered the NCAA transfer portal. He wants to return to college football this season.
This move comes just after both NFL teams released Harden. It follows a recent court order that’s temporarily letting 33 athletes, including Harden, try for a return to college athletics.
The whole situation has stirred up a lot of debate in sports circles. People are questioning what it means for pro athletes to head back to college sports.
The Journey of T.J. Harden
T.J. Harden’s path has really been a wild ride. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks on August 5, but they released him almost two weeks later.
Before that, Harden signed as an undrafted free agent with the Browns in May. They cut him on August 3.
Now he’s aiming for a comeback in college football. He’s using the NCAA transfer portal to make that happen.
College Career Highlights
Harden’s college career stands out. He played four seasons from 2022 to 2025—three at UCLA, then one at SMU.
His senior year at SMU was especially strong:
- Rushed for 787 yards and nine touchdowns
- Recorded 19 catches for 99 yards and one touchdown
- Played in 13 games
Legal Context and Court Orders
A recent court order opened the door for Harden and others to return to college sports. On Wednesday, a Louisiana court granted a temporary restraining order to 33 athletes, letting them pursue a return to college athletics.
This order has caused a stir, since it includes 16 football players. Browns rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright is among them.
Implications of the Court Order
The NCAA isn’t happy about the court order. Tim Buckley, their senior vice president of external affairs, said these rulings are destabilizing college sports.
Buckley argued that the lawyers behind these cases aren’t thinking about the opportunities lost for athletes who haven’t had a shot at college sports yet. It’s a tough call—there’s a lot at stake for both sides.
Other Athletes in the Spotlight
Harden isn’t the only one making news. A few other rookies have also shown interest in returning to college sports:
- Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Wydett Williams
- Seahawks rookie running back Anthony Hankerson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Jack Pyburn
These players are part of the same lawsuit. They want to be released from their NFL contracts so they can join college rosters under the restraining order.
Future of NCAA Eligibility Rules
In June, the NCAA updated its eligibility rules. Athletes now get five seasons of eligibility within a five-year span.
But this change didn’t give athletes from the high school class of 2022 an extra season. That led to more legal challenges.
On July 31, a federal court in Denver ruled that all athletes from the class of 2022 can have a fifth season during the 2026-27 school year. The NCAA has appealed, but for now, the temporary restraining order stands while legal proceedings continue.
The Road Ahead for T.J. Harden
As T.J. Harden tries to return to college football, a lot of people are watching. His story could open the door for other pro athletes to follow the same path, though honestly, who knows how this will play out?
Impact on College Football
The return of athletes like Harden could shake things up in college football:
- Increased competition: Former pros might raise the level of play, for better or worse.
- Opportunities for younger athletes: There’s a real concern that these returns could squeeze out less experienced players.
- Legal and regulatory changes: Ongoing lawsuits might force the NCAA to rethink eligibility rules and regulations.
Conclusion
T.J. Harden just entered the NCAA transfer portal, and honestly, that’s a big deal in college sports right now. It’s hard not to wonder how this move will shake things up for everyone involved.
Other athletes are jumping in too, and nobody really knows where this whole thing is headed. The legal side of it all feels messy, and the outcomes could totally change college athletics for years.
If you’re curious and want to dig deeper, the full article is up at AL.com.
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