Did Steve Sarkisian Forget He Added A 5th Year Player That Participated In NFL Mini Camps?

By Staff Reporter•Sep 1, 20261:51 pm•

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian had some strong words this week about college programs adding players who have spent time in the NFL, as LSU continues to find itself at the center of the ongoing eligibility battle.

Sarkisian told reporters Monday that he has an issue with a player returning from the NFL and potentially taking a roster spot away from someone who has spent the entire offseason with a college program.

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"The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player off of an NFL roster and tell somebody who's been doing it for nine months to go kick rocks, that doesn't sit well with me," Sarkisian said. "I think that's wrong. That, morally, is wrong."

The comments come as Lane Kiffin and LSU have explored adding several players with NFL experience, including tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns before returning to college. Wright practiced with LSU this week as the Tigers await further clarity on the SEC's eligibility rules.

However, Sarkisian's comments have drawn some criticism considering the Longhorns recently welcomed offensive lineman Cole Hutson back to their own roster.

Hutson entered the 2026 NFL Draft after four seasons at Texas and went undrafted before participating in rookie minicamps with both the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. After failing to land an NFL contract, Hutson pursued an additional year of eligibility through the courts and ultimately returned to Texas for the 2026 season.

Sarkisian was openly supportive of Hutson's potential return earlier this summer.

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"At the end of the day, there's nothing like having an experienced player on your team, in your locker room and in the offensive line room," Sarkisian said in July.

"But if we're fortunate enough to have him back, it'd be great."

There is one significant difference between Hutson and some of the players LSU has pursued. Hutson attended NFL minicamps but never signed a professional contract or made an NFL roster, while Wright signed with Cleveland before being waived.

Still, Sarkisian's "morally wrong" stance has raised eyebrows considering Texas benefited from bringing back a veteran offensive lineman who had already entered the NFL Draft and tried out with two NFL organizations.