2025 NFL First Round Pick Could Try To Return To School

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Despite being drafted with the 17th overall pick back in April, Bengals EDGE rusher Shemar Stewart remains unsigned and it sounds like he could be angling to go back to school.

According to Bud Elliott of CBS Sports, the 21-year-old has been "fully involved in workouts" at Texas A&M and "could try to come back and play again this season and go into the draft again next year."

This would be a first of its kind situation as NCAA rules currently prevent a player that's been drafted professionally from returning to college.

But as the NCAA's power continues to dwindle under the weight of federal antitrust laws, it seems more fathomable than ever that a player could potentially pull something like this off.

As PFT's Mike Florio notes: Stewart has never taken an NFL paycheck or signed a pro contract "[so why] be prevented from going back to school?"

The college football season is coming up quickly though and although Stewart hasn't been practicing with the team he's been very visible around the program.

Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA;Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) drops back to pass against Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (4) during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images© Matt Bush-Imagn Images

It's possible that this could apply some pressure on the perennially cheap Bengals who have completely ignored the defensive side of the ball amid their contract stalemate with All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

However if Stewart was to return to school in 2025, the belief is that the Bengals would continue to hold his draft rights through the first year that he's eligible to come out again.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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