A federal appeals court has thrown a wrench into the idea of former Pitt running back Desmond Reid making a college comeback.
The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 21 reversed an earlier ruling that had opened the door for college athletes who entered school in the 2022-23 season to claim a fifth year of eligibility. That NCAA rule change, announced earlier in the summer, had already changed the landscape by granting athletes five years of eligibility and cutting down on the need for redshirt seasons.
The initial decision sparked a flurry of legal challenges from players who just missed the cutoff. But with the appeals court’s reversal, the extra year is no longer available in that case.
The ruling does not affect athletes who filed individual lawsuits in state courts and received a temporary restraining order, though the NCAA could still appeal those situations. More athletes could also pursue their own cases.
That legal wrinkle mattered most in Pittsburgh because Reid had become the most talked-about possible returner. The former Panther was reportedly exploring a return to college football, and plenty of Pitt fans had been openly hoping to see him back in blue and gold.
Reid spent his junior and senior seasons at Pitt after transferring from Eastern Carolina University (ECU), and he made his two years count. As a junior, he piled up 962 rushing yards, 579 receiving yards, 159 punt return yards and 10 touchdowns while collecting plenty of ACC recognition during a season that had its share of peaks and valleys.
Even with injuries limiting him in his senior year, Reid remained a major presence and helped Pitt win big games.
After graduating, he signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent but was waived with an injury designation.
The court ruling now makes that possible Pitt reunion look a lot less likely. That said, Pat Narduzzi made it clear he would never turn down a difference-maker if the opportunity somehow landed in his lap. During his Aug. 21 press conference, he said he had expected the case to be dismissed, adding, "I think [the case] is gonna get thrown out", before offering the kind of blunt line coaches love to keep in their back pocket: "If Aaron Donald wanted to come back, I'd take Aaron Donald back today."
Pitt has already lost plenty to the transfer portal, but the roster still has some familiar pieces returning. Ja'Kyrian Turner, who filled Reid’s role last season, is back for the 2026 season.
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