Judge clears way for Texas to bring back O-lineman who attended NFL rookie camps

Texas is positioned to bring back offensive lineman Cole Hutson after a judge ruled in his favor over the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility limits. Hutson challenged the rules through a lawsuit filed in Travis County, home of the University of Texas, seeking a fifth year of eligibility. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said at SEC media days in Tampa, Florida, that if Hutson can play, the Longhorns would likely welcome him back, framing the decision as a potential opportunity to add a veteran on the offensive line. The judge granted Hutson a temporary restraining order, allowing him to work out with the team, though a future hearing for a temporary injunction is still pending. Hutson, undrafted in April, played 48 games over four Texas seasons, starting 23, and previously attended Browns and Cowboys rookie minicamps. The NCAA’s August rule change affects most athletes, and the NCAA is appealing related injunction activity from other sports.