Andrew Luck: He's Back at Stanford Even If Harbaugh Isn't

Andrew Luck has decided that he will pass on that huge contract that is awaiting the NFL's No. 1 pick come April.

Luck is returning to Stanford this season even though his coach, Jim Harbaugh, may not.

The Carolina Panthers had already stated that they would take Luck with the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. Now the Panthers' pick has dropped in value.

Luck, a redshirt sophomore who is scheduled to graduate in 2012, made a decision that mirrored the one by Peyton Manning, who passed on the NFL draft to play his senior season at Tennessee.

That decision worked out well for Manning, but Luck may be facing a rookie wage scale that could be implemented in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement if there is one.

Luck expressed his desire to get his degree and to improve some of the facets of his quarterbacking skills. By skipping the draft, Luck could be missing out on a $50 million payday in guaranteed money.

"I am committed to earning my degree in architectural design for Stanford University," is what Luck's official statement said.

Good news for the Cardinal. Bad news for the Carolina Panthers.

While Luck is returning, Harbaugh interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers for five hours on Tuesday and was meeting with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross on Thursday.