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The Big Ten is officially back, with a season set to begin Oct. 23-24, as announced on Wednesday morning by the conference.
With the league reversing course, one of the big questions is: who could return of those who opted out?
Naturally, the players who had not yet signed with an agent are free to come back, but what about those who had? Considering that players were told that there was no path forward in college football — reiterated by Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren last month, when he stated that the vote for postponement would not be revisited — you can’t fault student-athletes for pursuing their livelihoods.
However, there appears to be a path to return for those who want to, even if they had signed with an agent.
With regards to a player who opted out and signed with an agent.
If that player wants to come back, depending on what was exchanged, the student-athlete can try to go through the Student-Athlete Reinstatement process to gain back eligibility if he wants to play this season.
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) September 16, 2020
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While that may be good news, Michigan will not be getting offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield back.
According to Detroit Free Press writer Orion Sang, Mayfield will not attempt to rejoin the team, as he’s now focused on the 2021 NFL Draft.
Brian Mayfield, Jalen Mayfield's father, says his son will not re-consider decision to go pro. “He’s not playing. Not for eight games. And there’s no guarantee they’re making it through.”
— Orion Sang (@orion_sang) September 16, 2020
There is no word as of yet about Michigan’s other opt-out in Ambry Thomas. One person told WolverinesWire that Thomas has signed with an agent, but it is not known as of current whether or not he will attempt to reverse course and come back to Ann Arbor for his senior season.
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