Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz Rips 'Clown Show' State of CFB Amid Eligibility Issues

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz isn't a fan of the state of college football eligibility entering the 2026 season.

"This is the second-biggest sport in the United States... For us to be operating like this is a complete clown show, and it's disappointing," Drinkwitz said, via Yahoo Sports.

Judge Puts SEC's New Eligibility Rule on Hold (AP)

On Tuesday, the SEC introduced a policy that prohibited schools from adding players who either declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA drafts and did not withdraw within the allowed framework, signed a contract with a team in those leagues or were on a roster in one of those leagues.

The ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 also ended up implementing similar bans.

The updated policy came after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that tight end Dae'Quan Wright had agreed to play for LSU during the 2026 season after he cleared waivers following his exit from the Cleveland Browns.

Former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris also committed to the Tigers in order to reunite with Lane Kiffin, his old head coach, after the New Orleans Saints waived him.

They were among the athletes that were previously made eligible to return to the college football landscape once they were granted a temporary restraining order by a Louisiana court.

Despite the new eligibility policies among Power 4 conferences, a Texas judge put the SEC's rule on hold Thursday. A request for an amended temporary restraining order in Louisiana was also granted , prohibiting the SEC from blocking the return of players.

According to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger , the SEC has communicated that it will comply with the new court order and pave the way for signings once again.

As the eligibility saga continues, Drinkwitz hasn't been pleased with the process.