The landscape of college football is shifting fast, and with it, the rules around eligibility are being tested like never before. On ESPN Central Texas’ House of Football, Gigem 247’s Jeff Tarpley joined hosts Glenn “Stretch” Smith and Gary Baxter to talk about how players like Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) and Joey Aguilar (Tennessee) are pushing the boundaries of the NCAA system to extend their college careers-and what that might mean for programs like Texas A&M.
Chambliss, for example, just received a judge’s injunction allowing him to return for a sixth season. That’s not just a legal victory-it’s a potential game-changer. And it raises the question: Could we see something similar unfold in College Station?
Let’s start with the bigger picture. The NCAA has long struggled to enforce different restrictions across various parts of the game, and historically, those efforts haven’t held up well in court.
That trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. The legal system has consistently pushed back on the NCAA’s attempts to maintain tight control, especially when it comes to player rights and compensation.
Now, zoom in on the players themselves. Not every college quarterback is NFL-ready after three or four years.
But with NIL money on the table and the chance to keep playing at a high level, some of these guys are realizing they don’t need to rush into the pros. Sure, they might not make NFL money, but they’re still pulling in more than most entry-level jobs-and they’re doing it while earning degrees and building real-world experience through NIL partnerships.
That’s where things get interesting for the NFL and even the UFL. If more players opt to stay in college longer, the pipeline of incoming talent slows down.
For the NFL, that might not be a huge issue right away. But for leagues like the UFL, which rely heavily on fringe NFL talent, it could be a real blow.
And then there’s Texas A&M and quarterback Marcel Reed.
Reed redshirted in 2023, meaning he’s played two seasons of college football heading into 2026. He had a strong 2025 campaign, helping lead the Aggies to the playoff, and he’s set to return this fall.
What many fans might not realize, though, is that he still has two years of eligibility remaining. That opens the door for him to come back in 2027 if things don’t break his way in the draft.
Right now, Reed’s game isn’t a perfect fit for the NFL. He needs to sharpen his passing mechanics, improve his accuracy, and cut down on turnovers-especially in high-pressure moments, which were an issue late in the 2025 season.
The league has leaned toward dual-threat quarterbacks who are not only athletic but also efficient passers. We’re talking 65% to 70% completion rates, 30+ touchdown seasons, and minimal turnovers.
Reed isn’t quite there yet.
But he brings something else to the table-mobility, RPO savvy, and the kind of playmaking ability that can tilt a game. If he makes a leap in 2026, he could absolutely boost his draft stock and ride off into the NFL sunset. But if scouts still see him as a Day 2 or Day 3 pick, the calculus changes.
Remember, Reed was a Heisman finalist around Thanksgiving. That’s no small feat.
And if he hit the transfer portal last month, there would’ve been a long line of suitors. His value in the college game is undeniable.
So what happens if he stays? He continues to lead the Aggies, racks up wins, and potentially delays the development of younger quarterbacks behind him. That’s a tough spot for any program-balancing the need to win now with the need to groom the future.
And what if 2026 doesn’t change his draft outlook? Do Reed and A&M start looking at 2027 as another opportunity? Could they even challenge the system for 2028 if things remain stagnant?
It’s not just about one player or one school anymore. This is a broader shift in how college football operates.
Players are realizing their value, and they’re willing to fight for every bit of eligibility and compensation they can get. Programs, in turn, are learning to navigate a world where roster management, NIL, and legal challenges all play a role in shaping their future.
Marcel Reed might just be the next test case. And if he is, Texas A&M-and the college football world-better be ready.