Cam Newton Questions NCAA's Five-in-Five Rule

Former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who won the 2010 Heisman Trophy with a 14–0 record, 2,854 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, has voiced strong opposition to the NCAA's recent rule change allowing college athletes to play five seasons in five years. Speaking on his podcast, the 4th&1 Show, Newton questioned the NCAA's approach: "Why are we picking and choosing how we hold these young men accountable to real life versus, 'Oh, they still are college athletes.' There ain't no such thing as no amateur athletes no more." He also referenced a recent news case of someone under contract facing budget cuts, arguing that collegiate athletes are "making 1% money on a year-to-year basis." According to Essentially Sports, Newton's main concern is that the rule changes could complicate locker room dynamics.

The NCAA's five-in-five rule, which went into effect in June 2026, was not made retroactive, leaving the high school graduating class of 2022 with only four years of eligibility. This led to lawsuits from affected players, and judges ruled that these athletes can reclaim their final year of eligibility if they are cut or released from NFL teams and return any pro money. Additionally, players must be named in active temporary restraining orders to return to college football. Multiple sources report that several players are already asking their NFL teams to release them so they can join college rosters before the August 29 season start.

NFL Figures React to Confusion

As the line between the NFL and college football blurs, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay shared his reaction when asked by ESPN's Sarah Barshop about players in NFL camps returning to college. McVay said, "I feel like I took a freakin' gummy," as reported by Rams beat reporter Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. The comment, referring to marijuana edibles, reflects the bizarreness of a situation where a one-way path from college to the NFL now has traffic going both directions.

The unusual scenario harkens back to a famous incident involving Bo Jackson, who in 1986 lost his Auburn baseball eligibility after taking a flight to Tampa for a physical with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the NFL draft. Despite Buccaneers official Phil Krueger's public support, "We sincerely regret that this incident has terminated Bo Jackson's college baseball career," and "we assure you Bo is blameless in this entire matter," Jackson's college baseball career ended. The situation underscores the extraordinary nature of the current court rulings that allow some pros to return to college football.

Perspectives

Cam Newton's perspective: The former NFL MVP and Heisman Trophy winner argues that college athletes are no longer amateurs, so the NCAA should treat them like professionals and enforce 'real life' standards instead of allowing extended eligibility.

NCAA and legal system perspective: The NCAA attempted to expand eligibility but faced legal challenges from the 2022 class, leading courts to rule that some players can return to college after NFL stints under specific conditions (including TROs and giving back pro money) — a development that has contributed to the current confusing environment.

Sean McVay's perspective: The Rams coach, with admitted bemusement, commentary on the absurdity of the situation, comparing the confusion to being under the In a joking tone, he highlights the unexpected and unprecedented nature of players going back to college after joining NFL.

Note: McVay's comment was covered by Newsweek, through Sarah Barshop and Gary Klein's reporting.