Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 25

UCLA's Trent Hendrick Cleared for 2026 Despite Big Ten's New NFL Eligibility Rule

Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 25

UCLA's Trent Hendrick Cleared for 2026 Despite Big Ten's New NFL Eligibility Rule

Q: Could the NCAA still appeal the temporary restraining order and abruptly end Hendrick's highly anticipated reunion with Bob Chesney?

Yes. The NCAA could still appeal or move to dissolve the Louisiana temporary restraining order that restored Trent Hendrick’s eligibility, and that means his UCLA reunion with Bob Chesney is not fully litigation-proof. What protects Hendrick right now is that his eligibility comes from a separate Louisiana court order, not from the broader Colorado/Wisne ruling that the NCAA already got stayed on appeal. Reporting on those cases makes clear that athletes with their own TROs are not automatically affected by the Tenth Circuit’s decision in Wisne. That is why Hendrick remains eligible today, and why the Big Ten’s new rule does not block him: he never signed an NFL contract, never appeared on a pro roster, and did not declare as an underclassman. But a TRO is temporary by nature. Legal experts cited in the coverage noted that such orders can be appealed or dissolved before a final ruling, and the NCAA has said it plans to “expeditiously” challenge rulings that let similarly situated athletes return. The association has already shown in other cases, including Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s, that it will file appeals quickly after adverse decisions. So Hendrick is safe for now, but not guaranteed for the full season simply because UCLA and the Big Ten have cleared him. Any abrupt change would likely come only if the NCAA successfully challenges the Louisiana order or wins a later merits ruling. Until then, he remains eligible and in place for UCLA’s opener.

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 25

Fifth-year linebacker Trent Hendrick can play for UCLA in 2026 even after Big Ten athletic directors unanimously approved a rule barring some players with NFL experience from returning to college football.
The conference rule targets players who signed a pro contract, appeared on an NFL roster, or declared for the draft as underclassmen without withdrawing; Hendrick was undrafted after exhausting eligibility and never signed with a team.
A Louisiana lawsuit against the NCAA gave Hendrick an extra year through a temporary restraining order on Aug. 19, letting him enter the transfer portal and reunite at UCLA with coach Bob Chesney.
Hendrick arrives after a 106-tackle 2025 season at James Madison, where he won Sun Belt defensive player of the year, as UCLA prepares to open Sept. 5 against California.