Mathieu, a former Heisman Trophy finalist and cornerback known as the "Honey Badger," has no criminal record but has well documented drug problems that led to his dismissal from the Tigers in August. He had enrolled as a student at the school following two weeks of rehab under the care of former NBA player John Lucas. He also had talked about possibly returning to the team for the 2013 season with two seasons of eligibility. He is also eligible to apply for the NFL draft in April.