Jack Pyburn’s Status With Bucs Up In The Air After Court Ruling
August 20th, 2026
Bucs OLB Jack Pyburn.
The state of college sports on the administrative end of things is a complete and total cluster@#$%. And it may hurt the Bucs.
Joe cannot begin to get into how college sports is so effed up away from the field in recent years. And it only grows worse; it seems players, through their attorneys, can force new regulations on a whim.
Take Bucs outside linebacker Jack Pyburn. The undrafted free agent got a couple of sacks against the Jets, and suddenly, he seems to be on the radar of Bucs fans.
That may all go up in smoke as early as next week.
Pyburn, who played three years at Florida and last season at LSU, was among 16 players who sued the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility. Long story short, these 16 players were not grandfathered in under the new NCAA rule that athletes have five years after they turn 19 to play five years in their respective sport.
Pyburn and the other 15 players were granted a restraining order yesterday, allowing the players to return to a college campus to play a fifth year of college football, per Pete Nakos of On3.com.
Three of the 16 players are currently in NFL camps, including Pyburn. Per Nakos, Pyburn has a week to make a decision. Per Ryan Downton, one of the two lawyers representing the group, the three players in NFL camps want to be released.
Joe couldn’t blame Pyburn. He’s not making much as an undrafted free agent and has no guarantee of making an NFL roster. He could go back to LSU or any SEC or even a B1G team and very likely make significantly more.
And if Pyburn balls out in his fifth year in college, he could get drafted and make even more money.
Joe reached out to a Bucs spokesman last night and the Bucs do not have an official reaction to this ruling at this time.
Pyburn had a pair of sacks against the Jets last week in New Jersey. He spoke with the local pen and mic club earlier this week and it seems he still feels he has unfinished business, if not regrets about his play in college.
“I’ve always been a good football player and had a good college career, but didn’t perform how I wanted to perform, and part of that is a mental side of the game that I didn’t fully tap into – in a confidence aspect,” Pyburn said. “And when I sat on my couch on the day of [the] draft and I didn’t get drafted, I had to look myself in the mirror and decide, ‘Who do I want to be?’
“You know, do I want to say, ‘Why me? Why me?’ or do I want to say, ‘Why not me?’ In that moment, I chose ‘Why not me?’ And I have worked harder than I have ever worked in my life, and I’m going to continue to work even harder.”
There is absolutely no guarantee Pyburn makes the Bucs. Pyburn could probably pick any school — so long as the check clears.
So if Pyburn bets on himself, he could make a ton of money.
It would be sort of a shame to see a guy who KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles admitted is forcing the coaching staff to take notice, just out of the blue, take off.
But that’s the nonsense that is college football. If only the egghead university presidents would allow the players to form a union, this kind of ca-ca would come to a screeching halt.
August 20th, 2026 at 4:47 am
so i’m guessing he will see how he himself plays in this upcoming chiefs game, and go from there…
if he has a crappy game he might be best to go back for a 5th year…at least in his mind…but if lights it up, and he tears mahomeboy a new azz – he might wanna stick around…because he probably makes the team…
i saw his presser…and liked it…the kid is focused af
August 20th, 2026 at 5:00 am
No doubt the NCAA is a cluster, but some of these latest court rulings (Sorsby, etc.) aren’t doing them any favors either.
August 20th, 2026 at 5:04 am
increase your pay by 10x for one year.
Seems like a no brainer. Bucs retain his rights,is what I have read. Not sure that is true.
He is making $100k+. I assume that cash gets cleared off the books.
August 20th, 2026 at 5:49 am
What a mess.
August 20th, 2026 at 5:59 am
Absolute sh!tshow and completely a$$ backwards is the football system currently
Way to go everyone involved
August 20th, 2026 at 6:05 am
There is no way he is going to make the 53-man roster with the Bucs. At best, he’ll end up a practice squad player making next to nothing compared to the millions he’ll get with a good college program.
It’s a no-brainer for me. He should definitely take advantage of the 5th year and cash in while he absolutely can. If he balls out, he’ll climb up the draft board in next year’s draft.
August 20th, 2026 at 6:10 am
From what I understand he will remain Bucs property after his year back playing college football.
If that is the case he will of course make more money with NIL , get more development playing time.
I watched his interview on the Bucs YouTube and it was a very impressive interview. I don’t have a problem getting him back next year.
August 20th, 2026 at 6:21 am
Can Bucs keep him and send Dennis back to college? Asking for a friend.
August 20th, 2026 at 6:24 am
Greed is truly driv8ng the bus from top to bottom. Just start a minor league already, license school names and logo, lease campus facilities, and end the ruse that these are “student” athletes. Put money into education (RAs, TAs, adjunct professors, research, academic scholarships,etc) and drive down the cost of getting a degree so we can be competitive globally, not just football. It is ridiculous to think how an NFL QB can demand $50 million for a 4 month season while the teacher who spends more time/week with your child than you do is lucky to pull $50,000. And we yell “pay the man” when a 350 lb man child pouts on the sideline because he doesn’t want to honor his $18 million contract. Gross
August 20th, 2026 at 6:26 am
He needs to do the right thing……play another year of college ball to secure his financial future and then return to pro ball afterward.
August 20th, 2026 at 6:31 am
Pyburn should go back to college. I doubt he would make the Bucs, even with two sacks against the Jets 3rd teamers.
August 20th, 2026 at 6:33 am
The Bucs gave Pyburn a signing bonus and a ‘small’ guaranteed amount on the contract he signed as a UDFA….
Not sure if that locks him into Tampa Bay in the future or not in this situation.
Seems like he would have to be cut if he leaves – in which case any other team could ‘claim’ him off waivers under ‘normal’ circumstances…. but if he’s going back to school – would another team even do that? Probably not…
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Would Pyburn be allowed to re-enter the draft after another year of school – or would the Bucs own his rights – and he comes back to the Bucs next offseason?
August 20th, 2026 at 6:50 am
I like him as a developmental project, but let’s be real, he’s not going to be on the 53. He’s got a chance to make the PS to keep working on his craft, but he’s basically this season’s Nick Jackson. There’s a 0% chance he beats out yaya, Bain, Walker, Muhammad, or Nelson. Even if they decide to keep 6 OLB there are a handful of guys vying for one spot and each has been impressive here and there (outside of Braswell who is good as gone)
August 20th, 2026 at 7:21 am
Not many 6 year college players get drafted. Daniels is an example. If he doesn’t make the 53 he probably makes the PS. His foot is in the door of an NFL team, leave you might not get another chance.
August 20th, 2026 at 7:23 am
I bet UDFA contracts will be updated so this cannot happen. If not, players will leverage college vs NFL teams. Which personally I do not mind because individuals should be able to do what is best for them. But a contract is a contract and judges should not void them because it will help their college team.
August 20th, 2026 at 7:43 am
The kid was showing more promise than Braswell!
August 20th, 2026 at 8:02 am
And Braswell is making $2 million
August 20th, 2026 at 8:21 am
Why would young men today want to go to the NFL if they aren’t top flight talent? Stay in College, be BMOC, all the cool parties and CO-Eds, and make a couple million.
That’s why the NFL product isn’t near what it once was.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:28 am
At least in a “game,” true!
August 20th, 2026 at 8:29 am
College football is messed up. The portal, paying players, the bowls… They’ve screwed with the reciepe so much that the meal is not the same.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:33 am
well, Akheem Mesidor played 6 years in college and ended up being a first round pick…
tough call imo…as someone mentioned above kid has his foot in the door and he could bet on himself now by either making the team or PS…from there you’re 1 play away from your # being called….
or he can return to LSU, possibly get injured and go undrafted again…
if he were my son, i’d tell him you’re a grown man so the decision is yours and i’ll support you but i think its wise to stay in the NFL and beat out Braswell and Nelson..its right there for the taking
GO BUCS!!!!
August 20th, 2026 at 9:10 am
FWIW – I have read that the Bucs would retain his rights if he were to return to the NCAA. The Bucs have him signed to a contract. He could not re-enter the draft next season due to his contract obligations. I suppose they could release him from the contract though. Plyburn has options, it will be interesting to see how this sorts out.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:18 am
So I was listening to Pat & Aaron this morning and this might actually work out for the Bucs. The Bucs may be able to retain his rights based upon the contract he signed with them and avoid the re-draft situation. In the meantime, solely based upon the talent the Bucs have at LB right now, he’s probably not going to make the Buccaneers’ roster this year but might be able to make it next year.
We could write this off as a red shirt year for the NFL.
Then again, maybe Pat & Aaron’s explanation or my understanding (or both) are flawed.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:29 am
Not sure if y’all realize but Pyburn’s contract that he signed is 3 yr / $3.115 million !!!!!
$115k is guaranteed / $15k was signing bonus
If he goes back to college, will have to give up the $100k most likely but also giving up $1 mill a year in potential future income although not guaranteed…
Not sure how much NIL $$ he would make for 1 more year of college…
Here’s another kicker I read…
If Pyburn goes back then wants to go to the pro’s in 2027, BUCS RETAIN HIS RIGHTS!!!!!! He’s not Eligible to be drafted!!….he signed a contract with Tampa after all…
This would probably be challenged in court but that should hold up I would think.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:30 am
This NIL situation has created a giant clusterfuk !!! Geez
August 20th, 2026 at 9:36 am
Win-win for the Bucs if they retain the rights. He gets another year of “practice” on a college team and the Bucs don’t lose him while on the PS.
August 20th, 2026 at 10:14 am
The NCAA did this to itself. Just way too much to even begin mentioning. They’ve had ZERO power for years now. But, it proves a point about NFL Preseason games, as well. Teams already KNOW who’s making up 97.4% of their rosters without needing these games under the lights. This dude right here, is the PERFECT example of it. I’ve said it before… Think how many completely meaningless times, you’ve seen guys just DOMINATE Preseason games (sometimes for ‘multiple’ seasons), and then never even SNIFF a roster spot, or never stood a chance no matter WHAT they did. These coaches, GM’s, and FO’s already know who’s making it and who’s not, based off of the MANY “PRACTICES” and controlled scrimmages, & etc. with other teams. I mean, it’s already a WRAP 95-99% of the time. With that said, if they want to have a couple of dress rehearsals (1-home & 1-away) for tv and for new coaches and staff to test sideline and stadium equipment, electronics, & etc…. Then, have at it. But, other than that… COME ON. Let’s just go ahead already, with evening everything out by adding that 18th-Game (20-Weeks Total, with each team getting 2 Bye-Weeks), and then be done with it. Call-it a day.
August 20th, 2026 at 10:19 am
I would love think that since he’s already signed an nfl contract and played in a game, he’s no longer eligible for the draft.
I doubt the Bucs would hold him hostage…but…if he plays well against the chiefs…it wouldn’t take much to renegotiate the terms of his deal to guarantee more money and get him to stay. After all he could play another year in college, get injured, and never see another dime.
If he plays in the NFL and has a career ending injury, he can always go back to college and finish earning a degree (if he hasn’t already).
“In that moment, I chose ‘Why not me?’ And I have worked harder than I have ever worked in my life, and I’m going to continue to work even harder.”
He made a decision to earn his future. A quality young man determine and driven. Life is a gamble. He’s got a big decision to make.
August 20th, 2026 at 10:22 am
The Bucs 💯 for sure won’t retain ANY ‘rights’ if he’s allowed to re-enter the draft for 2027. But, whoever DRAFTS HIM WILL. The only way will be IF the NFL doesn’t allow these guys to enter the draft AGAIN. But, then they’ll all sue, and off and away, and around we go!!!!
August 20th, 2026 at 10:34 am
@ Bucfan1988 – He will prob make about $1-MILLION (maybe more) at LSU, or wherever. FULLY-Guaranteed. A helluva lot better than his $100K from the Bucs. And, that “contract” will be fought-out in the COURTS, while he’s playing on a College Football Field. If he was worried about that “contract,” then he would not have ever joined to suit in the first place. After that, their next fight will be the 2027 DRAFT. It’ll be tied up in court as the season goes on.
August 20th, 2026 at 10:55 am
Since Pyburn can’t enter the 2027 NFL draft as he was already signed (and soon to be released) by a team, the only benefit he’s getting from going is a paycheck to play football in 2026. He puts off having to join the real world for another year and gets another chance at the pros next year. He’d still be a longshot and he probably knows that.
Can’t blame his reasoning. He’s got nothing to lose.
August 20th, 2026 at 11:09 am
@ Buccaneer Bonzai Says: “If he plays in the NFL and has a career ending injury, he can always go back to college and finish earning a degree (if he hasn’t already).”
He could already have earned his degree. Regardless, it’d be a helluva lot nicer doing it with all the luxuries involved with being an athlete on a college campus (especially at LSU), and all on THEIR DIME. While, putting another MIL+ (completely fully-guaranteed) in MY POCKET. It’s a 💯 NO-BRAINER.
August 20th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Not sure if anyone read his comments. He said he never felt like he worked hard enough in college. Really! Then way would any NFL team want a player that not only doesn’t work hard but knows he isn’t working hard, and does nothing to improve his work ethic. Dodged a bullet in my mind.
August 20th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Mr. Pyburn, PLEASE RUSH YOUR ASS BACK TO COLLEGE BALL ASAP!!!! WE’RE GOOD!
After what I saw you play, being undrafted was a sin and now you have a 2nd chance! Go get that money, more experience, and from what I saw, maybe a 5th rounder currently……after one more year? Who knows? Maybe a 3rd, and we can get you back in here again.
August 20th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
Pyburn betting on himself? Sounds more like a bitchy high schooler. Never thought I would say this but I am done with college sports.
BTW I am I lifelong Gator fan. Until this I was a Pyburn fan as well. This kid got some rather serious cash to come to camp! Oops never mind does not cut it! A week to make this kind of decision? Something is not right with that…
Go Bucs!
August 20th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
Critmark Says:
August 20th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Not sure if anyone read his comments. He said he never felt like he worked hard enough in college. Really! Then way would any NFL team want a player that not only doesn’t work hard but knows he isn’t working hard, and does nothing to improve his work ethic. Dodged a bullet in my mind.
_________________________________
I didn’t read the comments. I listened to the audio.
Here’s the thing… an athlete is going to be critical of themselves–probably much more critical than us schlubs type-type-typing away at keyboards in comments sections on blogs. I’m writing the comment off as a possibly-too-harsh critique of himself. Every athlete thinks they can do better. Michael Jordan thought he could do better. Brady thought he could do better.
I’m not saying he’s a Jordan or Brady, mind you. Just saying that everyone trying to get better has the mindset that maybe they didn’t do as well as they could have in the past.
August 20th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
BuccoMarty Says: I’m writing the comment off as a possibly-too-harsh critique of himself.
You may be right, but I lean towards taking the man at his word. I don’t think many people go into a job interview and say: “Yeah, I don’t think I worked hard enough at my last job, but I promise I will work hard for you”. And if I picked up on the comment, I am willing to bet more than a few GMs did as well.
Not saying you are wrong, it just struck me very poorly.
August 20th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
I watched his interview and I was impressed. I believe what he was trying to say was how he felt when he didn’t get drafted, and with introspect, came to the conclusion that not getting drafted meant that he hadn’t dedicated himself to being his best self, and that was a powerful lesson that he was determined to learn from. From a psychological perspective, this kid is gold in my opinion!
My bet is that he’s consulted with his head coach — and maybe even with his GM — to see what the Buccaneers want him to do. That would be his smartest move.
August 20th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
If the Bucs don’t cut Pyburn and offer him a roster spot, and he returns to college, they own his rights whenever he wants back into the NFL. In other words, he cannot enter the draft but must play for the Bucs unless they waive or trade away his rights.
This whole speculation about him being drafted higher and making more money, ie “millions”, is nonsense unless he gets cut by the Bucs, in which case they lose his rights.
No cut, no freedom. That’s just the way it is.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:43 pm
As far as the Buccaneers retaining his rights, if they outright release them. They retain no rights to him. If pyburn decides to return to college, and the Buccaneers want to retain his rights, they put him on the reserve/retired list, meaning when and if he decides he wants to come back to the nfl, he is their property. As far as him reentering the draft, if the Buccaneers do not release him, he cannot. I’m not sure that he can reenter the draft, considering he is already signed the professional contract. In the past, a player that was selected but never signed a contract was still eligible to be drafted the following year. Bo Jackson is a prime example. He was drafted number one overall by the buccaneers, he didn’t sign a contract and then he was drafted the following year by the Raiders in the fifth round. Honestly, if you’re the buccaneers, this could be a big win. The dude goes back to college, he gets another year of experience, another year in the spotlight, improves his craft, and maybe he plays himself up into draftable potential. Basically a red shirt year without counting against the Buccaneers roster or even practice squad spots.
August 20th, 2026 at 10:55 pm
I feel bad for the kids. Money or not, a generation of players don’t know what its like to play a game because its fun. The industry of sports is gross. It is the perfect mirror of our society.
August 21st, 2026 at 2:04 am
In or out fella…