Linebacker Trent Hendrick remains eligible to play for UCLA during the 2026 college football season following the Big Ten’s adoption of a new professional players rule, according to statements released by the university and conference officials. Hendrick, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, entered the 2026 NFL Draft as a senior and participated in rookie minicamps with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, but he never signed a professional contract or appeared on a regular-season NFL roster.
Big Ten Eligibility Rules and Hendrick’s Status
The Big Ten formally adopted a rule barring eligibility for players under specific professional scenarios, including underclassmen who declared for the draft without withdrawing within 72 hours, players who signed a professional contract, and those added to professional rosters, according to conference announcements.
UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond confirmed the school’s compliance with the new standard in a public statement. “We support the Big Ten’s adoption of the new professional football players rule and understand the importance of having clear and consistent eligibility standards across the conference,” Jarmond said. UCLA scheduled its season opener against California for September 5, 2026.
UCLA Preparations and Coaching Perspective
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney acknowledged on Monday that Hendrick’s restored eligibility could face ongoing challenges, noting that the status “still can realistically” be overturned amid a wave of recent court rulings affecting college sports, according to the New York Post. Despite potential legal headwinds, Hendrick continued to practice with the Bruins on Tuesday.
UCLA defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler emphasized Hendrick’s readiness and work ethic following his transition to the program. “He was begging for an opportunity to get a tryout in the league and it’s just another opportunity to get it,” Hitschler said, as reported by the New York Post. Hitschler added that Hendrick stays in exceptional physical shape and lives, eats, and sleeps football.
Broader Impact of NCAA Court Rulings
Hendrick’s return follows a broader group of players granted a fifth season of eligibility via a Louisiana court ruling, a trend the NCAA criticized heavily on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the NCAA and reported by the New York Post, courts granting relief to ineligible athletes are failing to appreciate the destabilizing effect their rulings create across collegiate athletics.
While other athletes affected by recent judicial decisions, such as Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, left their teams to join LSU, Hendrick remains firmly integrated into the Bruins roster. UCLA coaches continue preparations for the upcoming schedule with Hendrick active at linebacker, awaiting any further developments in collegiate sports jurisprudence.