Cole Hutson is back in Austin.
According to ESPN, the offensive lineman has rejoined Texas as a fifth-year eligible player for the 2026 college football season after spending part of this NFL offseason with the Dallas Cowboys’ minicamp. ESPN reported that Hutson, “following minicamp participation with the Browns and Cowboys, has returned to Texas after regaining a fifth year of eligibility.
In July, Hutson filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Travis County, Texas, seeking an additional year of eligibility. Last week, U.S.
District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted players like Hutson the right to play another year of college sports,”
Hutson’s return has already set off plenty of reaction online, with some fans treating it like a line in the sand for the NCAA. One user on X wrote, “Oh, knew the NCAA was dead but didn’t realize it was dead dead,” while another said, “The game is cooked,” and another added, “The sport i love continues to go downhill.
This is complete garbage,” Other responses included, “This is an absolute joke and the NCAA should be ashamed of themselves.” “College sports are broken.” and “This has gotten so far out of hand.”
Hutson’s case is rooted in his path through Texas and the recent eligibility ruling. He started at left guard for the Longhorns in 2025 and also saw time at center and tackle when needed. Over four seasons with Texas, he made 23 starts in 48 games.
After going undrafted and not landing an NFL contract following minicamps, Hutson pursued the lawsuit against the NCAA in search of another year. He was one of several players involved in the push for added eligibility as the NCAA moved toward a 5-for-5 plan that would give a blanket five years to all eligible players. Judge Charlotte Sweeney ultimately granted Hutson and the other players the chance to play that extra year in 2026.
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