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The college sports landscape was shaken on Friday when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction with far-reaching implications for student-athletes across multiple sports. The ruling, delivered by Judge Charlotte Sweeney in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, grants immediate eligibility for the 2026 season to all members of the class of 2022 who used their final year of eligibility during the recently concluded campaign.
As a result, numerous standouts from Texas' 2022 recruiting haul now find themselves with the potential option to return to the gridiron. It is crucial to clarify that this development does not guarantee their return to Austin; rather, it opens the door for such a possibility, particularly if the coaching staff identifies roster needs that these players could fill.
Many of the top prospects from that class are still in the early stages of their professional careers, but a select few possess a realistic pathway back to the collegiate ranks. One such name is edge rusher Ethan Burke, who inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Baltimore Ravens following the 2026 NFL Draft. Should he fail to secure a spot on the team's final 53-man roster, he would emerge as a prime candidate for a late addition to the Longhorns' lineup. Burke was an impactful starter on both defense and special teams during his tenure in Austin, and his return would undoubtedly be a welcome development—though that hinges entirely on his situation with the Ravens.
Key Analysis
Offensive lineman Cole Hutson stands as one of the more obvious beneficiaries of this ruling. Having filed a lawsuit against the NCAA last month to be included in the eligibility expansion, Hutson now sees a much clearer path to potentially rejoining the Longhorns. Head coach Steve Sarkisian addressed Hutson's situation at SEC Media Days but admitted uncertainty about the outcome at the time. If Hutson were to return, he would represent a significant late-offseason boost to a Texas offensive line seeking redemption in 2026.
Cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau, who also went undrafted and signed with the Carolina Panthers, could similarly find his way back to college football if released during roster cuts. Guilbeau started 10 games for Texas last season and appeared in 44 career contests with the program, bringing a wealth of experience if he were to return to Austin. Defensive end Justice Finkley, who spent three years at Texas before finishing his collegiate career with Kansas in 2025, also appears on the list. Despite being a highly touted four-star recruit, Finkley never fully lived up to expectations, recording just four sacks over four seasons. He could serve as a depth piece for a team in need, though whether Texas would be a destination remains uncertain.