NFL Rookie Is Returning To Play For Texas Longhorns After Attending Cowboys Minicamp In Strange Turn Of Events
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Cole Hutson has taken an unusual path back to college football. The offensive lineman attended minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason. He also worked out with the Cleveland Browns. Despite those pro opportunities, he has rejoined the Texas Longhorns roster.
The player went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He earned tryout invites and participated in rookie minicamps. No contract followed from either team. He then pursued an extra year of college eligibility through legal channels.
ESPN’s Dave Wilson reported on Friday that he regained eligibility for a fifth year. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian explained he monitored Hutson’s situation in July.
“Cole’s a guy with so much experience, played a lot of football for us,” Sarkisian said. “He’s a guy that unfortunately didn’t get drafted. So he puts himself in a bit of a different situation than maybe most guys that got done playing their fourth year in college.”
Cole Hutson Regains Fifth Year at Texas
Cole Hutson played 48 games and made 23 starts during his first four seasons with the Longhorns. He started at both guard and center. The versatile lineman helped form one of the stronger offensive lines in college football.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian welcomed the possibility of his return once eligibility issues cleared. Hutson was not present for the first day of fall camp but remains on track to rejoin the team.
His experience protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes gives the Longhorns added depth up front.
Cole Hutson Navigates New Eligibility Rules
Hutson filed a lawsuit in July seeking the additional year. A U.S. district judge granted the request that allows players in similar situations another season. The ruling came after the NCAA adjusted its eligibility framework.
Hutson becomes one of the first notable examples of a player attending NFL minicamps and then returning to college. The Longhorns open the 2026 season with a veteran presence available on the offensive line.
The move highlights the shifting landscape of college football eligibility. Players now have more flexibility after testing the professional waters without signing a contract.
