Chris Jones-Imagn Images
May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Cole Hutson (68) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas.
Former Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson played 48 games and started 23 across four seasons of college football. He then entered the NFL Draft, where he went undrafted before attending Dallas Cowboys rookie camp.
Logic would tell you that was the end of Hutson’s college football career, having forfeited his remaining eligibility when he opted to enter the draft and turn pro.
However, the current landscape of college football does not seem to follow any actual logic, and now it seems as if Hutson could well suit up for a college program this fall.
Cole Hutson Granted TRO To Return To College Football After NFL Pursuit
On Wednesday, a Texas judge granted Hutson a temporary restraining order against the NCAA in his age-based eligibility lawsuit filed last week that would allow him to suit up immediately for a college program.
Bobby Burton of On Texas Football first reported the news, and fans are worried about the Pandora’s box that the ruling could open.
BREAKING: The Court is granting Cole Hutson the temporary restraining order and setting an injunction hearing. Hutson and his representation have prevailed in the first part of the process. #HookEm
— Bobby Burton (@BobbyBurtonOTF) July 22, 2026
If Hutson’s case sets a precedent, players could enter the NFL Draft routinely and then opt to return to college if they don’t get selected as highly as they hope. Or, in Hutson’s case, they don’t get selected at all.
The judge who granted Hutson a TRO must now schedule a preliminary injunction hearing. But there’s a good chance that hearing does not take place until after the 2026-27 college football season.
The ruling is just the latest crack in the NCAA dam that seems as if its just moments away from breaking completely.