New UCLA transfer Trent Hendrick's eligibility was at risk on Tuesday when the Big Ten announced a new rule that eliminates the eligibility of players who fall under one of three scenarios with the NFL. Hendrick participated in rookie team organized activities with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs before ultimately transferring to UCLA. The Big Ten announced players who "signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing" would not be eligible to compete in the conference.
Hendrick declared for the 2026 NFL Draft as a senior who had no remaining NCAA eligibility. He never signed a professional contract with any NFL team nor was he added to an NFL roster at any point. Therefore, based on the Big Ten's current guidelines, Hendrick remains eligible to compete for UCLA in the Big Ten this season.
As of Tuesday, the Big Ten is the only conference that has implemented this rule against professional players. UCLA released a statement on Tuesday supporting the new rule and confirmed all of their current student-athletes remain eligible for this season under the new guidelines. We are excited to turn our full attention to the upcoming season and our opener vs.
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