Jim Harbaugh tells NFL, NCAA to change draft eligibility rules in brilliant open letter to football community

Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh has some ideas on how the NCAA should tweak their eligibility rules, specifically letting athletes go to the NFL Draft early and return if undrafted.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has some ideas on how he’d change college football and they’re so insightful that I think even a few Ohio State fans may agree with him.

In an open letter to the football community says it’s time for an overhaul of when it’s allowed for student-athletes to declare for the NFL Draft, returning to school if you aren’t drafted, a one-time transfer exemption and continuing to pay for school depending on how many years that student spent on campus.

Ultimately, Harbaugh is looking out for the best interest of the student-athlete. This is commendable and I think he makes some great points in his proposal.

You can read Harbaugh’s full open letter below.

Since 1990, student-athletes had to be three years removed from their high school graduating class before they are eligible for the NFL Draft. Harbaugh thinks it’s long overdue to amend that rule and wants the NCAA and NFL Players Union to come to a new agreement.

This is why Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence couldn’t declare for the NFL Draft after his first two seasons at Clemson and why former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett fought the ruling when he tried to enter the league after his freshman year. His lawsuit was turned down in Federal Appeals Court.

The NBA allows college basketball players to declare after one season. Why should a league be able to tell a qualified candidate they aren’t eligible for the job because not enough time has passed since high school graduation?

Lawrence would have been the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft if eligible. Instead, he’ll have to play two seasons of college football for free while risking catastrophic injury that could damage his future earning power.

Harbaugh makes a great point about needing change. And if this new rule would see a number of underclassmen declare for the draft only to be undrafted, they should be allowed to return to college if they want and have their schooling paid for.

NFL Draft declarations from juniors has sky-rocketed in recent years with many juniors already going undrafted, but they can’t go back to school. They hope to catch on with a practice squad without an XFL or AFL minor league alternative. Returning to school where their scholarship will be held and modifications are made to the scholarship limit is in the best interest of the student-athlete and the program. It’s a win-win. Currently, it restricts the decision-making power of the student-athlete who has to rely on the NCAA, NFL and Players Union to form the limits of their decisions.

Further, Harbaugh thinks it’s time for a blanket five-year eligibility rule. Forget about redshirts or playing someone up to four games while preserving a fifth-year of eligibility. Just give them a full five years.

It’s time for change.

Harbaugh was one of the first to voice a need for a one-time transfer exemption. Now, that is a serious proposal that could be in play in the next year or so. The sport is changing. The world is changing. The rules should be changing along with them.

He can be criticized for not beating Ohio State or not winning the Big Ten or for his fondness for khakis and drinking milk with steak, but these proposals are great and should happen.

If you don’t like Harbaugh, consider this message coming from the college coach of the team you root for and think about the message and not the messenger.

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