Trent Hendrick clears Big Tens new NFL rule as UCLA catches break

Even as he welcomed Trent Hendrick to his team, UCLA coach Bob Chesney acknowledged that adding a star linebacker who had brushed up with the NFL could get messy.When Chesney was asked Monday about the possibility of Hendrick’s restored eligibility being overturned, the coach said, “Well, it still can realistically.”A day later, that seemed like a real possibility for a few hours.The Big Ten adopted a rule barring the eligibility of players under certain scenarios – underclassmen with remaining eligibility who declared for the NFL draft and didn’t withdraw within 72 hours; those who signed with an NFL team; and those who were added to NFL rosters.The good news for Hendrick and UCLA: He doesn’t fall under any of those categories.While Hendrick did not appear on a roster or sign a contract, he did enter the 2026 NFL Draft – albeit at a time when the former James Madison standout believed, as a senior, he had exhausted his collegiate eligibility and had no other options.Chesney said Monday that Hendrick participated in the rookie portion of organized team activities with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs but was not a participant in summer training camp nor a member of any team’s roster.In other words: Hendrick should be fully cleared by the new Big Ten rule.“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,” UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement.“We have been in communication with the Big Ten throughout this process, and our student-athletes are eligible under the guidelines adopted today.

We are excited to turn our full attention to the upcoming season and our opener vs.California on Sept.

5.”Hendrick, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, continued to practice with the Bruins on Tuesday as the Big Ten voted to adopt its new rule.Hendrick had been clea...