T.J. Harden Enters NCAA Transfer Portal After Court Ruling

By Cameron Tate

T.J. Harden, a former running back for the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks, has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after a recent court ruling opened the door for certain athletes to return to college football. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney on July 31, 2026, allows Division I athletes from the high school class of 2022 who have exhausted four seasons of eligibility to play a fifth season.

The ruling, part of the case Wisne v. NCAA, mandates that these athletes be recognized as eligible for the 2026–27 season and be permitted to enter the transfer portal between August 3 and August 10. However, a clarification on August 2 specified that this order does not apply to athletes who have signed professional contracts, such as those in the NFL or CFL.

Despite this clarification, Harden's entry into the transfer portal suggests a potential ambiguity or conflict with the court's directive, as the injunction does not explicitly recognize exceptions for professional returnees. This could lead to further legal and institutional challenges as schools and agents navigate the ruling's implications.

The eligibility window for affected players reopened on August 3 at noon and will close on August 10 at 8 a.m., providing a limited timeframe for athletes like Harden to seek new opportunities in college football.