Undrafted Texas Longhorns player sues NCAA to return to college football

The NCAA and the college football world may soon have another lawsuit to monitor. This time, it involves a player who entered the NFL Draft, went undrafted, and now wants to return to college football. If successful, the case could open the door to an unprecedented wave of eligibility challenges.

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According to multiple reports, former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Huston has sued the NCAA. This comes in an effort to secure a fifth year of eligibility after going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. The lawsuit reportedly seeks an injunction against the NCAA’s age-based eligibility rule adopted this summer.

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“Former Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson has filed an age-based eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA, requesting a judge to grant a fifth year of eligibility to play the 2026-27 college football season. It’s the latest suit to be filed following the NCAA’s move to a model allowing five years of eligibility,” On3 reported.

Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; A detail view of a Texas Longhorns helmet on the sideline during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Unprecedented territory?

What makes this case so unique is that Huston went through the NFL Draft process, was not selected, and is now seeking to return to college football. The closest college football has come to a similar situation was last year with Shemar Stewart.

Stewart was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals but endured a lengthy contract negotiation. At one point it had him preparing to return to college football. Ultimately, the two sides reached an agreement on his rookie contract.

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Whether a judge will grant Huston’s request remains unclear. After all, it took a controversial ruling from a Texas judge that nearly allowed Brendan Sorsby to return to college football.

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Unfortunately, this reflects the current state of college football. Players continue to challenge NCAA rules in court. They simply seek injunctions that allow them to remain eligible while their cases move forward.

If Huston prevails, the ruling could push college football into uncharted territory. What would prevent other undrafted free agents from pursuing the same path in future years?

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