There may never have been a more confusing time to be a college football fan.

Just two days after UCLA football’s newest member – fifth-year linebacker Trent Hendrick – transferred to the program after receiving a temporary restraining order from a Louisiana court, granting him and several other athletes a fifth year of eligibility, the Big Ten became the first FBS conference to pass a rule that bans NFL players from returning to play in the conference.

[Related: The Chesney train rolls on, adding Trent Hendrick to the JMU-to-UCLA pipeline]

Amid sweeping changes to the college sports landscape, some football and basketball players with some level of professional experience have returned to the collegiate realm. The SEC quickly followed suit, with the ACC in talks to likely join the other two Power Four conferences.

The Big Ten’s unanimous decision specifically bars underclassmen who declared for the NFL Draft without withdrawing, those who signed a contract with a professional league and anyone on an official professional roster.

None of the aforementioned criteria apply to Hendrick, as the former Duke played four years at James Madison and participated in NFL minicamps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns, never signing an official contract to make the 53-man roster. Additionally, the Louisiana TRO already grants him eligibility, meaning Hendrick does not require any further legal action to assume competition with UCLA.

“We support the Big Ten’s adoption of the new professional football players rule and understand the importance of having clear and consistent eligibility standards across the conference,” said UCLA Athletics Director Martin Jarmond in a written statement following the Big Ten’s decision. “We have been in communication with the Big Ten throughout this process, and our student-athletes are eligible under the guidelines adopted today. We are excited to turn our full attention to the upcoming season and our opener vs. Cal on Sept. 5.”

As uncertainty on Hendrick’s potential return to college football seems to settle, head coach Bob Chesney confirmed that the likely starter would play in UCLA’s opening game against Cal – a team that was also in contention to recruit the former Duke, alongside Virginia Tech.

Hendrick ultimately chose the Bruins to reunite with Chesney and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, under whom he played in his senior season at JMU. In 2025, Hendrick won Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year after logging 106 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and three pass breakups.

“We had a lot of fun together last year, and he did a great job where he was,” Hitschler said. “I’m glad he got the opportunity for himself to hopefully continue to play college football here. What a special opportunity for him, and let’s make the most of it.”

Hitschler also lauded him as a talented individual who makes impactful plays. The Richmond local will likely man one of two primary linebacker spots alongside senior Sammy Omosigho as part of a new-look defense that will involve a healthy dose of blitzing and down rushers, and one that has given the offense trouble during fall practice.

And it was that connection that motivated Chesney and company to bring in an additional player less than two weeks before their first official snap.

“Obviously, we don’t want to add just anyone to our program,” Chesney said. “This is a guy that went through winter conditioning with our team (JMU). He was one of those team leaders that absolutely elevated everybody in his room and in the program. … There’s a lot there that he brings to the table. He knows the system. He can jump in there right away.”

The same day that Hendrick’s commitment was announced, the fifth-year was on a plane to Los Angeles, taking part in practice Monday to begin integrating with the team. While he was yet to be fitted into full pads and a helmet, Hendrick took part in drills.

While there were questions about how Hendrick’s introduction would be received within the position group this late into the offseason, Chesney said that the linebacker room has a high level of maturity that helped them embrace an extra member.

“They’ve been in a lot of places where they’ve seen a lot of guys come and go,” Chesney said. “Everybody at this stage of the game has seen it all. What other curveballs can you throw? Their ability to adapt and overcome probably exists more with this generation than ever.”