The NFL, in a memo obtained by ESPN, informed its clubs Wednesday that any player who returns to the college ranks will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season.
The memo reiterates rules that remain unaltered despite a chaotic week in the NCAA as multiple players seek a fifth year of college eligibility.
The NFL, which held a special league meeting Wednesday, also reminded teams of the rule that any player signed to an NFL contract who is subsequently cut is a free agent. That player can sign with another NFL club, join the CFL or return to college.
Any player cut by an NFL team who returns to college this year still will be considered a free agent and therefore not subject to a future draft.
The fundamental principle of NCAA eligibility has been called into question after two NFL players -- Cleveland's Dae'Quan Wright and New Orleans' Zxavian Harris -- parted with their respective teams to join Lane Kiffin's roster at LSU.
Wright and Harris, who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss, are returning to college football because of a court order that granted them an unexpected extra year of eligibility. The players can regain their college eligibility if they terminate their NFL contracts and repay any pro earnings.
Wright cleared NFL waivers Tuesday and was expected to sign with LSU on Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The SEC and Big Ten, however, approved new rules Tuesday that prevent players from leaving the NFL and joining college teams.