Former UCLA and SMU running back TJ Harden, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2026, is now looking to revive his collegiate career after a legal maneuver granted him temporary eligibility.
The Seattle Seahawks gave him a chance on the practice roster, where he logged two carries for a single yard before being released a week later, but the brief stint left a paper trail that opened the door for a return to college football.
Harden’s professional résumé includes 2,445 rushing yards over four seasons, a 4.9 yards‑per‑carry average and 21 touchdowns, highlighted by a breakout year at SMU in which he posted nine scores and 787 yards.
Analyst Pete Nakos of On3 Sports has reported that Kansas, Baylor, Kentucky and Syracuse are among the schools actively courting the player, whose eligibility status remains provisional pending the outcome of his ongoing court case.
Recruiting Ripple Effects
At Kansas, the coaching staff appears to be exploring options because the current backfield, anchored by Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis, raises questions about depth and production heading into the final stretch of the season.
If Harden were to join the Jayhawks, his arrival could reshape the offensive scheme and provide a boost to a rushing attack that is critical for the team’s hopes of securing a bowl invitation in 2026.
The buzz surrounding Harden underscores how off‑field legal battles can intersect with sports eligibility, a dynamic that continues to reshape college rosters each year.