Former Florida defensive lineman Jack Pyburn has already made noise in Tampa Bay, and now he’s in the middle of something even stranger: a legal fight that could open the door for him to return to college football in 2026.
Pyburn, who is currently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had a strong preseason debut last Friday against the New York Jets, finishing with two sacks and emerging as a “breakout” candidate in camp. But on Wednesday, multiple sources reported that Pyburn and 15 other players were granted a temporary restraining order from a Louisiana judge, a ruling that could clear a path for him to play in college next year.
The dispute centers on the new “five-for-five” rule, which allows players to compete in five full seasons and effectively removes the redshirt. Pyburn and the others involved say the NCAA’s original version of the rule should have applied only to players moving forward, not to those who had already graduated.
A few weeks ago, U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado issued a preliminary injunction for athletes from the high school class of 2022, creating a route back for players who were not covered by the new NCAA rule.
Pyburn’s case has its own wrinkle. He is arguing that his 2023 season at Florida was cut short by a torn ACL against Arkansas, even though he still appeared in nine games that year.
The oddest part of all this is that Pyburn is doing it while trying to stick in the NFL. He has been with the Buccaneers since May and is in the middle of a normal training camp grind, which makes his situation stand out from others seeking extra eligibility.
His preseason performance only adds another layer. If he keeps building on that outing, he could push for a practice squad spot and, from there, be one injury away from the active roster.
At Florida, Pyburn never always looked like the guy his numbers might suggest. He was a factor against the run and brought a relentless edge when attacking pulling tackles and guards.
His exit from Gainesville, though, was anything but clean. Reports of financial and playing-time demands clouded what might otherwise have been a straightforward transfer. And with Florida’s 2025 season described as a train wreck, the move still leaves plenty of baggage in the eyes of Gators fans.
Now this latest push to get back into college football only adds to the story around him.
Not all lore is good lore, though.
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