Claim: The Big Ten and SEC each passed new rules barring athletes who signed pro contracts or appeared on NFL/NBA/WNBA rosters from returning to college eligibility.
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The NCAA’s rules have come under scrutiny after former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Qoan Wright’s high-profile bid to return to college football. Wright suited up for a preseason game with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns but did not play. The team then released him, and since no other NFL team claimed him, he became free to return to college football by entering the official transfer system.
This player has a unique chance to play a fifth football season for LSU. This became possible because a Louisiana judge temporarily stepped in to block existing restrictions. His situation could now open the door for many other college athletes to use lawsuits to get extra years of playing time from the NCAA. And that’s exactly what’s happening.
Star basketball player RJ Luis Jr. also secured a temporary injunction from a Louisiana judge on Monday to play for LSU this season, even after signing multiple NBA contracts. So, reports revealed that, facing a potential flood of former pros returning to campus, college football and basketball powerhouses decided to take matters into their own hands.
The Big Ten and SEC (Southeastern Conference) passed strict rules in August 2026 to stop former professional athletes from returning to college sports. But is that really the case? Here’s what we found!
Our Verdict: True
According to ESPN, conference leaders voted unanimously, 16-0, late last month to approve the new rule during an in-person meeting. It involved SEC presidents, chancellors, and athletic directors. The policy gives commissioner Greg Sankey the authority to enforce the rule and impose penalties on schools that violate it, although the specific penalties have yet to be announced.
The SEC’s policy goes beyond simply barring athletes who sign professional contracts. Under the new rules, a school cannot roster an athlete who has previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft without properly withdrawing. Or signed with a professional football/basketball team, or appeared on the roster of an NFL, NBA/G-League, or WNBA team or affiliate.
The decision comes as several college coaches explore the possibility of bringing professional players back into the college game following recent court rulings involving eligibility. LSU is among the programs facing questions over whether it will continue pursuing such athletes. School officials have not indicated whether football coach Lane Kiffin and men’s basketball coach Will Wade will abandon those efforts, challenge the conference’s position in court, or comply with the new policy.
The SEC’s move could soon be followed by other major conferences like Big 12. Notre Dame, meanwhile, has reportedly expressed complete opposition to professional-to-college transactions. The SEC had already made its position clear, arguing that athletes who leave college, sign professional contracts and then return should not be allowed to compete again. The conference said allowing such moves would “blur the line” between professional and college sports, create competitive-balance issues and potentially reduce opportunities for high school recruits and current college athletes.
“College sports are for college athletes,” the SEC said, while also calling for progress on the Protect College Sports Act.
However, the policy is already facing legal criticism. Attorney Ryan Downton, who represents athletes affected by the decision, accused the SEC of disregarding existing court rulings.
“It is cartel-like conduct,” Downton told ESPN’s Pete Thamel, arguing that conferences are creating their own rules in response to courts blocking similar restrictions at the NCAA level.
Our fact-checking sources:
- ESPN, August 26, 2026. SEC draws rule to stop NFL, NBA, WNBA players from returning
- Yahoo Sports, August 21, 2026. An NFL player, LSU and a legal loophole: College football’s bizarre eligibility fight is getting wild
- ESPN, August 25, 2026. RJ Luis Jr., ’25 Big East POY, granted injunction to play for LSU