This week, the Cover 3 podcast, one of the more popular college football shows featuring well known CFB journalists and media members, including Chip Patterson, Tom Fornelli, Danny Kanell, and Bud Elliott, one of the crazier potential outcomes was discussed regarding former Texas A&M edge Shemar Stewart, who was selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Since being drafted, Stewart and the Bengals‘ front office have been engaged in a constant battle over his rookie contract, while he has reportedly been working out at the Texas A&M facility during the summer. Stewart’s contract holdout has led to an idea that would have been considered a conspiracy theory in years past, as Bud Elliott revealed that, through a source, there is an actual possibility that Stewart could return to Texas A&M for the 2025 season.
As crazy as that sounds, the fact that Stewart has not signed his contract with Cincinnati has opened up other options, which could now include a final season with the Aggies. Why does this make sense? Elliott compared the situation to MLB Draft selections opting to return to college to fulfill their collegiate commitment. Still, in Stewart’s case, he has already hired an agent, which forfeits every player’s remaining eligibility at the college level.
However, with high school prospects signing brand deals and, in some cases, agents, there may be a loophole for Stewart to be granted one more season of collegiate eligibility. Nevertheless, the former five-star prospect would need to navigate all the legal avenues through the court system with the NCAA.
Lastly, as Danny Kannell reminded us, the NFL would likely create future barriers against college players returning to campus after being drafted. Therefore, it is improbable that Shemar Stewart will play a final season with Texas A&M. In the world of hypotheticals, how much would it cost Coach Mike Elko to bring Stewart back into the fold after landing four edge rushers from the transfer portal? Much more than the program would like to spend amid an already complete roster.
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