LSU alum Ben McDonald says he doesn't agree with NFL-to-college returns, but understands why coaches want them

As the LSU Tigers prepare for their season opener against the Clemson Tigers, not all eyes are focused on the current matchups to expect in Death Valley.

The college football world is waiting to see if tight end Dae’Quan Wright, as well as former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, among others, will be available to play for LSU after causing quite the controversy by reuniting with Lane Kiffin at the NCAA level after being released by the Cleveland Browns following a training camp stint with the NFL team.

Even as college football's Week 0 has passed, the debate continues over a growing trend: former NFL rookies and other athletes attempting to move from the professional ranks back to college in pursuit of a fifth year of eligibility.

The SEC and other major conferences have pushed back on new guidelines, but injunctions and temporary restraining orders issued by local judges have generated a series of court proceedings and strained relations among the NCAA, conferences, schools and others.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Ben McDonald, the first overall pick of the 1989 MLB Draft, Olympic gold medalist, and former LSU Tigers star pitcher, appeared on "America Reports" where he told Sandra Smith about his stance on the current stir running through the college ranks.

"Personally, I don’t believe in it," McDonald explained.

"I think once you get to play your four years, for me, it’s time to move on at that point.

But things are so different now when you talk about the NIL money and the money that’s out there now, you get why these kids want to come back.

"So, if you can’t make it in the NFL, MLB, wherever, maybe you have that opportunity to return for a fifth year of college and make some money.

You don’t blame the players for wanting to continue to play.

They love the sport, they want to continue their athletic career.

But also, money is involved." MATT RHULE SOUNDS ALARM ON NFL RETURNEES, $45 MILLION ROSTERS AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S PAYROLL PROBLEM One of the NFL’s top agents, Drew Rosenhaus, who also represents Wright, explained why he supports players returning to college if they are within the current "5-for-5" rule set by the NCAA in June, which gives student-athletes five years of eligibility to play five seasons.

For one, as McDonald mentioned, there’s the financial perks of returning to college rather than sitting on a practice squad for NFL rookies.

"He is not going to make an NFL team this year," Rosenhaus said on "One Nation with Brian Kilmeade." "At best, he would be on a practice squad.